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And every little while a crash of stones ahead proclaimed 
that Hans, too, was having his narrow escapes. [Page 148] 

Motorcycle Chums in New England. 



MOTORCYCLE 
CHUMS ^ 

IN NEW ENGLAND 


The Mt. Holyoke 
Adventure 


By 

ANDREW CAREY LINCOLN 



M. A. DONOHUE & CO. 
Chicago 


Copyright 1912 
M. A. Donohue & Company 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 


Electrotyped, Printed and Bound by 
M. A. Donohue & Co. 

Chicago 



©CI.A.3.32086 


CONTENTS 


Chapter Page 

I. At the Sign of the Crossroads. ... 7 

II. The Rescue of Freckles 17 

III. Strange News 28 

IV. The Runaway Motorcycle 41 

V. Poor Budge 52 

VI. Lost, Strayed or Stolen 63 

VII. The Mystery Thickens 72 

VIII. When the Wardens Came 80 

IX. Things Keep Going 91 

X. The Coming of Gid . 100 

XI. The Faithful Sentry 108 

XII. Adding Insult TO Injury 116 

XIII. A Clue in the Air 125 

XIV. From Above and Below 133 

XV. The Path Along the Face of the Cliff . 142 

XVI. Convict and Tiger 150 

XVII. What Happened to Hans 158 

XVIII. Sowing the Seeds of Kindness .... 166 

XIX. Via Wireless 176 

XX. The Flight of the Comet 187 

XXI. Pity the Poor Tiger 198 

XXII. What the Crevice Held 210 

XXIII. Good News 221 


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Motorcycle Chums in 
New England 

OR 

The Mount Holyoke 
Adventure 

By ANDREW CAREY LINCOLN 

CHAPTER I 

AT THE SIGN OF THE CROSSROADS 

'^Slow up, Jack, wonT you? We’ve taken the 
wrong path!” 

^^But that was the crossroads we just passed, 
all right, fellows!” 

^^Sure it was; but I reckon you ought to have 
turned to the left!” 

^ ^Shucks! what makes you say that, Freckles? 
According to my way of thinking. Jack did the 
right thing!” exclaimed the third number of the 
trio of boys occupying the wheezy old white 
auto that had just come to a grumbling halt on 
the country road. 

The shadows of night had closed in, making 
their surroundings appear vague and indistinct. 
And while the machine boasted of two headlights, 
the lamps sent what small amount of light they 
could boast straight ahead. 

7 


8 


MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


This might be all very well so far as showing 
up obstacles that awaited them oa the road 
itself went; but it availed little with regard to 
illuminating their surroundings. 

^^Hold on now” the pilot of the ramshackle 
car remarked; donT dare say which is right, 
Budge or Freckles; because, for a fact, I couldn’t 
read what the old sign-post said as we buzzed 
past. This may be the road to Bradentown; or 
it might take us to Mt. Holyoke, if we kept on 
long enough.” 

^^Well, this sure beats the Dutch!” grumbled 
the fat boy, called Budge, with an air of supreme 
disgust; “how in the dickens are we going to find 
out then; tell me that, will you?” 

The long-legged Freckles uttered a short, 
scornful laugh. 

“Say, that’s an easy one,” he remarked. “Sup- 
pose you climb, out. Budge, and paddle back to 
the sign-post as well as your bandy legs will let 
you. Here, I’m generous enough to lend you a 
match; and if you’re half as spry as you claim, 
why, you ought to be able to climb up so as to 
read what it says, and report. We’ll promise to 
wait up for you here, won’t we. Jack?” 

This was said in the coolest, most condescend- 
ing manner possible. If the purpose of Freckles 
was to stir up a little hornets’ nest about his ears 
he certainly accomplished that end immediately. 


AT THE CROSSROADS SIGN 


9 


'^Oh! I will, eh?” snorted the fat boy alongside 
him in the tonneau of the ancient car; '^ain^t you 
kind about it, now? I admire your nerve, 
Freckles; it's like that big granite monument that 
stands over old Peter Gazzam's grave in Staun- 
ton cemetery. Seeing that we're two against 
one, seems to me it's up to you right now to go 
back, and prove your case. Besides, Freckles, 
you know you're built for a climber much better 
than me.” 

That last assertion had probably been put in 
for a clincher. And it certainly bore truth on its 
face, for while Freckles was tall and angular, 
Budge was undeniably fat; so that he wheezed 
with the least exertion. 

second that motion,” remarked Jack Kin- 
kaid, acting as umpire in the dispute. ‘Tt's 
only fair that you get a hustle on you. Freckles. 
I’ll promise not to let the old White Elephant 
run away, while you're finding out facts.” 

Freckles apparently realized that he had, as he 
remarked himself, ^^put his foot in it”; and that 
there was now nothing left for him to do but drop 
out of the car to ^^toddle back to the crossroads.” 

Still he did not seem any too anxious to leave 
the society of his chums. Standing up, he 
glanced all around at the gloomy woods, and 
stretches of pasture that faded into the mystery 
of the dark night. 


10 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


^^Hey! Jack, perhaps you were right after all,’’ 
he remarked. 

^^Listen to him trying to hedge, w^ould you!” 
cried Budge, indignantly. ^^Before I’d take 
water that easy! You made an assertion; now 
prove it one way or the other. Freckles.” 

^That’s right,” laughed Jack. ^^After what 
you said, I’d hate to go on any further. If we 
hit it wrong you’d have the laugh on us; and 
we’d waste a lot of time. Besides, Alec would 
miss connections. Get a move on you. Freckles. 
You said you had matches, didn’t you; because 
it’s so dark you’ll need one to read the sign. 
Skip right along now, please; and don’t be any 
slower than you can help.” 

^^Oh! well, I suppose I’ll just have to,” grum- 
bled the tall lad, as he proceeded to climb out of 
the car; “but make sure you don’t rattle off, and 
leave me here in this lonely place all night. Gee! 
I just happened to think about what we read of 
that railroad train that was wrecked the other 
day. Don’t you remember that it had the circus 
aboard; and they said some of the animals es- 
caped?” 

Budge gave a scornful shout. 

“Listen to him squeal, will you. Jack?” he 
exclaimed; “p’r’aps he thinks that tiger we saw 
in the menagerie is loose, and waiting to eat him 
up. Hey! let me tell you something. Freckles. 


AT THE CROSSROADS SIGN 


11 


I know for a fact that the poor beast with all his 
stripes ain^t able to bite worth a cent. Why, I 
don^t believe he’s got three teeth in his mouth. 
He never could gnaw your tough old hide. They 
just had to poke him with a pole every time, to 
make him roar; he was that lazy and old. Take 
heart. Freckles. If you should meet up with 
Stripes, just give him a ’booh; and he’ll turn tail 
all right.” 

Of course, after that the other could no longer 
hold back. To be an object of ridicule or pity 
at the hands of Budge was something he never 
could stand. 

^^Rats! who’s afraid?” he remarked, straighten- 
ing up instantly. “Gimme just five minutes, 
fellows, and I’ll be with you in a jiffy.” 

With that he ran off along the back road; for 
the car had passed the division of the highway 
by about fifty yards at the time Jack succeeded 
in bringing it to a standstill. 

“Jack,” said the stout boy after they were left 
alone, “what d’ye think, was he really scared; or 
putting up a good bluff just for fun? I never 
can tell what he means, he plays so many tricks 
on me all the time.” 

“Well,” answered the one to whom this ques- 
tion was directed, as he got out of the car, and 
bent over to fix one of the lamps that seemed 
wabbly; “as a matter of fact, I’ve got a suspicion 


12 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


that it was something else besides the tiger that 
was bothering our chum/’ 

^Whatever can you mean, Jack?” demanded 
Budge, puzzled to account for these v/ords. 

'Terhaps you’ve forgotten that little time we 
had a year ago at the old mill, when Freckles 
woke us all up in the middle of the night, and 
declared that a cold hand had touched his face? 
He was shivering to beat the band, and had us 
all rattled in the bargain.” 

At that Budge chuckled aloud, as he quickly 
exclaimed: 

^‘Sure I remember; and how on looking around 
we found it was only a stray calf that had wan- 
dered in, and was lickin’ Freckles’ face, mistak- 
ing him for its ma. Oh! yes, now I get on to 
what you mean — ^you believe he’s a little daffy 
on the ghost subject. Is that it. Jack?” 

^^Well, I’ve heard him speaking about those 
sort of things; and I happen to know he’s always 
reading up every scrap he can find about spirits. 
That’s why he looked around at the dark. 
Freckles can be as bold as a lion in the daytime; 
but he sometimes shows a yellow streak after 
night.” 

While the two lads were sitting there, waiting 
for their chum to return with his report, it might 
be well to say a few more words concerning their 
intentions, in thus traveling the lonely road that. 


AT THE CROSSROADS SIGN 


13 


after passing two pretty lakes above, wound on 
to distant Mt. Holyoke. 

The old car was pretty well laden with camp- 
ing goods. There was a tent that was supposed 
to be waterproof; several cooking utensils that 
Budge and Freckles owned between them, quite 
an assortment of provisions, such as a bunch of 
boys possessed of healthy appetites might expect 
to make way with during a week^s stay in camp ; 
some warm blankets, a gun, and perhaps a few 
other things which one or the other considered 
indispensable. 

Indeed, Budge was so fond of his comfort that 
he could have loaded two such cars with stuff, if 
given permission. He fought so hard to retain 
his pet banjo that in the end the others allowed 
him to smuggle it aboard, though they knew 
they would be tortured by the so-called ^^music^^ 
which the fat boy actually believed was prime. 

Budge was the son of a retired business man, 
built on generous proportions himself, and whose 
ample girth was always being held up to the 
young hopeful by Freckles, as a horrible example 
of overfeeding. He had yellow hair and blue 
eyes; and while provoking^ y slow, was at the 
same time usually so good-natured that no one 
could quarrel in earnest with jolly, easy-going 
Budge. 

Freckles had a doctor for a father. When the 


14 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


physician, Dr. Codling, who had a large practice, 
indulged in the luxury of a new and up-to-date 
car, he allowed Ambrose the privilege of using 
the discarded machine; which had been dubbed 
the “White Elephant’’ by Freckles and his 
chums. It made a terrific noise when in action, 
and was forever getting out of order. 

Jack Kinkaid was the mechanic of the party. 
He came by his genius naturally, for his father 
had always been of an inventive frame of mind. 
Jack was a serious sort of chap. There was good 
reason why this should be so, for he had seen 
much of trouble in his young life. 

His father, who was something of an inventor, 
had perfected a wonderful little engine, that, be- 
cause of its extreme lightness and power, seemed 
destined to quite revolutionize the new profes- 
sion of aeronautics; since it could be carried in 
an aeroplane, and give more satisfaction than 
the old type of motor, with one-fifth of the 
weight. 

But something terrible happened just when he 
had the invention completed. In his employ 
was a man name Hans Barker who had quar- 
reled with Mr. Kinkaid. In a spirit of revenge 
this rascal had stolen a valuable paper that was 
really the key to the wonderful invention. Its 
loss had partly unhinged Mr. Kinkaid’s mind; 
so that, try as he would, he could not duplicate 


AT THE CROSSROADS SIGN 


15 


the important part of his engine. The more he 
racked his brain the worse became his condition. 

This had happened almost six months back; 
and at present he was in a bad way. The family 
were able to get along fairly well, since he had 
some little property; but Jack^s heart was very 
sore every time he contemplated the wreck of his 
dear father^s mind. If only that paper could be 
found again, he believed his father would have 
his full faculties restored. 

Hans had vanished, nor had they ever heard 
of him again. The paper he carried off could 
not be used to advantage by either himself or 
any other, without the balance of the design; 
but its absence effectually prevented Mr. Kin- 
kaid from completing his wonderful engine. 

Often did Jack dream of recovering that same 
paper, and filling the heart of his mother with a 
great joy, as he placed it before his distracted 
father^s eyes. But since Hans had utterly van- 
ished, and could not be found. Jack was unable 
to even hazard a guess as to how this consum- 
mation of his wild hopes could ever be realized. 

There was a fourth member of the club, a boy 
by the name of Alec Travers, who, being detained 
at home at the time of the start, had agreed to 
follow after his chums on his motorcycle. A 
little later on we shall have the pleasure of mak- 
ing his personal acquaintance, when it will be 
fitting to say more about his history. 


16 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


Jack was still fussing over the lamp that did 
not seem to be giving as much satisfaction as 
it should, and Budge, curled up on the seat of 
the tonneau, was even indulging in one of his 
usual yawns, as he chuckled over the pleasure 
of having some one else do the running, while 
he took it easy; when without the slightest 
warning there broke forth on the night air a 
rousing whoop, such as might only spring 
from a pair of good lungs; and then followed 
the clearly spoken words in the known 
voice of their comrade, Freckles: 

“Hey! keep away from me, you! Hdp! Jack! 
Budge! Come quick!^^ 


THE RESCUE OF FRECKLES 


17 


CHAPTER II 

THE RESCUE OF FRECKLES 

listen to that, would you, Jack? Some- 
thing terrible is after Freckles! Get the gun, 
and fly to his rescue, wonT you, please?” cried 
Budge, sitting up as though he had suddenly 
come in contact with the business end of a 
galvanic battery. 

^^Grab up the gun yourself, and come along 
with me! 1^11 carry this lamp, so as to see what^s 
doing!” said Jack; and suiting the action to 
the word by unfastening the auto light with 
which he had been working at the time. 

Poor Budge was in a dilemma. He did not 
want to chase after Jack, when neither of them 
knew what it might be that was getting Freckles 
worked up to such a pitch of alarm. And on 
the other hand, he dared not stay there alone. 

Accordingly, as in a dream, he just obeyed the 
stern order which Jack had given; and fortunate- 
ly enough his trembling hands fell on the shot- 
gun the first thing. Little Budge cared whether 
there were any shells in the barrels or not; 
it was all the same to him. 


18 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


Out of the car he scrambled, gripping the 
weapon tightly. Jack, meanwhile, had suc- 
ceeded in wresting the lamp from its socket, 
and was starting to run along the road, throwing 
its light ahead of him so as to see any object 
that might threaten dire results. 

Freckles was still shouting, and breathing 
all sorts of earnest entreaties for his chums to 
hasten, before he were utterly lost. Naturally 
this sort of thing got on the nerves of Budge, 
as he came panting along in the rear; so that 
he managed to let out a few mild spluttering 
cries himself. 

'Wait up. Jack! Oh! why are you always 
in such an awful hurry? You know Rome — 
wow! I nearly broke my neck that time over 
a stone! Please hold on! IVe got the gun, 
you know! What if it happens to be that 
man-eater! You’re a better shot than me. 
Wait up, can’t you?” 

But Jack was apparently deaf to his appeals. 
Already he had covered one-half of the distance 
between the stalled car and the point where the 
road split. As he turned the light straight ahead 
he could begin to make out things fairly well. 
And what he saw was a sight he would not 
soon forget. 

Freckles was there, and in plain evidence. 
So far as Jack could see he had not as yet been 


THE RESCUE OF FRECKLES 


19 


even partly devoured by any escaped tiger from 
the East Indian jungles. Yes, he was perched 
on the top of the tall sign-post, and only seemed 
anxious to get as far away from the ground as 
possible. 

But if Jack half expected to discover a striped 
beast crouched at the foot of the post, or jump- 
ing up in the effort to nip the toes of Freckles, 
he certainly had another guess coming; for not a 
single thing could he see save the boy on the sign. 

^^What’s all the row about, Freckles?^^ he 
cried, as he came up, with Budge booming 
along in the rear. 

‘^There it is. Jack!’’ cried the boy aloft, point- 
ing off into the darkness to where a field lay one 
side of the road. ^^Oh! it tried to grab me in its 
skeleton arms, sure it did. But I saw it just 
in time! Come closer, while I climb down, 
that’s a good fellow. Jack! I just knew some- 
thing was going to happen; I felt it in my bones!” 

Astonished at these words Jack immediately 
turned, and sent the light from the lamp in the 
direction Freckles had indicated. Then he let 
out a whoop in which Budge joined. 

Standing there, and staring at them with a 
look of mild wonder in her eyes, was a cow! By 
accident she had a white face, and apparently 
it was this moving object that Freckles had seen 
in the gloom. 


20 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


When Jack looked up again he saw a sheepish 
grin creeping over the humorous countenance of 
his angular comrade. And for the hfe of him 
he could not positively say whether the other 
had been really and truly frightened; or was 
playing one of his customary pranks, with the 
intention of giving Budge a new thrill. 

But the fat boy could only see it in one way. 
No matter how his own flesh had been creeping 
with suspense and alarm, as he galloped along, 
approaching the spot where the trouble lay, he 
beheved he had the laugh on Freckles. 

^^Now, what d’ye think !’^ he exclaimed; ^^he 
took an old cow for a ghost, and sent out a 
yawp for help! Oh! my, but ain^t that rich, 
though? And he’s the fellow who’s always 
talking to me about courage, and all that! 
After this we mustn’t let him go out alone after 
dark. The curfew bell must ring for poor little 
Freckles; because we couldn’t afford to have a 
silly cow carrying him off. Say, it was a calf 
last time and now look! Oh! my, oh! me! but 
I’ll never, never get over this.” 

Freckles came quickly down from his exalted 
perch. He was still grinning in that exasper- 
ating way of his, as though at any rate he found 
some reason for amusement, even when the 
laugh were on him. 

^ Well, anyhow, I coaxed IT to run a little, and 


THE RESCUE OF FRECKLES 


21 


that exercise is going to do a whole lot of good. 
But I say, Jack, you were right after all,'' he 
remarked coolly. 

^^You mean about the sign?" demanded the 
one he addressed. 

^That's it. We're going all right, and this 
is the road to Lake Constance. Just another 
mile or so, and we'll come to the place where we 
told Alec we'd make our first camp, and wait 
for him." 

^^All right; then perhaps we might as well turn 
back to the car; that is, unless you want to 
have a little more talk with your friend in the 
field here," and Jack once more flashed his 
light over the nearby fence to where the cow 
stood, apparently not knowing whether to 
resume her grazing, or trot away. 

^^Oh! we understand each other without any 
more words," chuckled Freckles. “So let's 
be moving, fellows. And Budge, please quit 
shaking that way. The danger's all over. 
Besides, there ain't any shell in that gun, so it 
can't go off." 

Budge just glared at him, being too full of 
indignation for expression. It was generally 
that way; and seldom did he And a chance to 
turn the tables on his tormentor. For Budge 
was rather inclined to be thick-witted, as well 
as lazy and slow; while his chum possessed a 


22 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


peculiar faculty for crawling out of difficulties 
with a show of success. 

^ ^There’s the car any way!' ’ Budge managed 
to say, presently, as the light showed the white 
object in the road. 

^^Sure it is!" ejaculated Freckles cheerfully. 

wonder now, if the poor fellow expected that 
it had taken a notion to run away by itself. 
P'r'aps he's thinking of that same tiger I was 
mentioning. Cheer up. Budge; he may be 
educated enough to show off in the circus, but 
I don't reckon he knows just how to operate a 
motor. Don't be too hard on him, Jack; he'll 
get over his nervousness in time, let's hope." 

They clambered aboard again, and Jack 
started the engine. 

^Thank goodness! she's not balked again!" 
said Freckles; for they never could tell when the 
antique motor would take a notion to quit, 
and leave them in some manner of hole, as had 
happened frequently in the past. 

^Dnly another mile, and then let her sulk if 
she wants to," laughed the pilot, as he peered 
ahead at the road, which -was none too well 
kept for comfort. 

^Tt's better than walking, if I do say it," 
remarked Budge, who had the happy faculty of 
quickly getting over his little fits of indignation, 
brought about by the nagging of his chum; just 


THE RESCUE OF FRECKLES 


23 


as the sun bursts out from behind a small cloud, 
to shine all the brighter by contrast. 

And so, with the engine of the doctor^s dis- 
carded machine keeping up a constant rattling 
and squeaking, they continued to advance along 
the lower road. 

'^Now, look sharp, fellows,^’ said Jack, pres- 
ently. reckon weVe gone a mile, from the 
crossroads, and we ought to show up that lean- 
ing tree soon. Budge, you keep watch on the 
right; and Freckles, you comb the left side. 
Sing out when you get a glimpse of anything 
that looks like what Alec described.” 

Hardly had he spoken when Budge gave utter- 
ance to a quick squeal. 

^^Hi! hold up. Jack!” he cried in excitement. 

Freckles made a half movement in the direc- 
tion of the gun, which he had taken the trouble 
to load as they entered the' car. 

The pilot at once shut off power, and applied 
the brake. 

^'You^re right. Budge; 1 saw it too,” he 
remarked; “and weVe stopped just where we 
wanted. Now to get things going, so as to 
have supper ready when Alec comes up. Ever>"- 
body overboard, and then I'll look to see where 
I can run the car among the bushes, out of the 
road.” 

A tree that had been partly uprooted in some 


24 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


former gale, hung over the road, and made a 
landmark that could hardly be mistaken. 

Jack soon found a way to get the car to one 
side. Then all of them set to work in the en- 
deavor to make camp. They had been out 
before and knew considerable in connection 
with such things. Besides, this chum Alec, 
who was soon to join them, had once spent a 
year on a ranch out West, and was able to give 
his comrades many valuable pointers with regard 
to outdoor life. 

A fire was kindled first of all. Budge took it 
upon himself to attend to this part of the pro- 
gram, while his comrades busied themselves 
erecting the tent in which they expected to 
pass the night. 

In a short time things began to take on a 
mighty comfortable appearance; at least that 
was what Freckles remarked, as he looked about 
him; and then began to open sundry packages 
taken from the car, which contained food of 
various kinds. 

Budge made the coffee, and prided himself 
on his knowing just how to brew the ^^finest 
kind of ambrosia ever,^’ as he was accustomed to 
saying. He knew very little about cooking, 
and was generally made to run errands, bring 
wood and water, clean fish, and all such things, 
by Freckles, who could perform with credit on 


THE RESCUE OF FRECKLES 


25 


the frying pan, and concoct a lot of mysterious 
messes, that however had the credit of tasting 
wonderfully fine, which is all any boy demands. 

^^Hope Alec don^t disappoint us now,^^ re- 
marked the chief cook, as he bent over the red 
ashes, and poked at some potatoes he had 
baking. ^Things are near ready, and it^s a 
shame to keep a camp supper waiting, you 
know, fellows.” 

“Oh! don^t worry about that,” spoke up 
Budge cheerfully. “You can set Alecks aside 
for him, but my share is going to fill up this 
horrible vacuum as soon as I can get it in my 
grip. All told, boys, I guess we^re a lucky lot 
to have such a clever chef along with us.” 

Freckles beamed with pleasure, for that was 
one of his weak spots; and a little flattery in 
connection with his cooking always made him 
contented. 

“Oh! that^s nothing new with you. Budge,” 
he remarked; “luck always tags after you, no 
matter what happens to the rest of us. After 
that time in school when we all got licked for 
your trick, and you slicked out of it, whenever 
1 hear the word luck mentioned, I just think of 
Budge Clifford. They go together.” 

Both Jack and the fat boy laughed with him 
at the recollection. It was in connection with 
some prank that Budge had played, and which 


26 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


broke one of the rules of the school. The 
teacher realized that the other boys in the class 
knew who was guilty, and declared he would 
whip them one by one unless they told But 
like loyal school fellows, they declined to betray 
a comrade; and so one by one they stood up and 
took their medicine. 

Finally only Budge was left. He looked so 
innocent that the teacher disliked to inflict 
pain on him; and so, weary from the wholesale 
use of the rattan, he had said in a compassionate 
tone of voice: 

^^Now, Budge, if you will tell me who did this, 
1 promise not to whip him again, and 111 let 
you off!” 

Thereupon the guileless and smiling Budge 
had promptly cried out: 

^Thank you, sir. All right! I did it, sir!” 
and the school was immediately turned into an 
uproar with the yells of the whole class. 

And that was why Freckles, who had been 
one of the sufferers, was pleased to say Budge 
was the luckiest fellow on earth. 

^Tisten!” exclaimed Jack just then, raising 
his hand. 

^Tt^s him, as sure as anything!” cried Budge. 

^^And he’s just used his muffler cut out to 
let us know he’s coming!” said Freckles. 

The rapid popping of a motorcycle under 


THE RESCUE OF FRECKLES 


27 

fair headway could be heard, and rapidly ap- 
proaching the new-made camp. Presently the 
rider came in sight; and bringing his machine 
to a halt, strode into the circle of firelight. And 
every one of the three boys who were in camp 
saw that Alec Travers brought news of more 
or less importance when they noted the look 
of excitement on his determined face. 


28 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


CHAPTER III 

STRANGE NEWS 

^^Just going to sit down, and have supper, 
Alec,^^ said Jack, who knew the other would 
speak when he got ready ; and never even dream- 
ing that the news could have any connection 
with his fortunes. 

^^And it smells mighty good, too,” remarked 
the newcomer, sending Freckles an approving 
nod that made that worthy grin again. 

Budge realized from this that he had better 
hold his tongue, and not go to asking what it 
was Alec had on his mind. And so presently 
they were squatting around in various attitudes, 
long-legged Freckles doubled up like a Turk, 
with his ^ ^fishing poles,” as Budge called his 
lower extremities, under him; Jack and Alec 
sharing a log; and Budge with his back against 
a tree, the picture of contentment. 

The potatoes were well done, and with season- 
ing, together with a little butter, proved very 
appetizing; the Boston baked beans, with the 
addition of some catsup Budge had made out 
to fetch along, suited them to a dot; the coffee 


STRANGE NEWS 


29 


was simply grand; and other things, such as 
bread and butter, cheese, some cold chicken, 
and pickles, went to make up a grand total 
that tried even Budgets well-known capacity. 

Finally they could not be induced or tempted 
to take another bite. And it was then that 
Jack, turning to his chum, remarked: 

^^Now, we^d like to hear the news, Alec, if 
you don^t mind; because we knew the minute 
you struck camp that you had something to 
tell. Freckles here has been more or less 
bothered thinking about that old tiger that 
got loose the other day. He imagines he sees 
the striped thing behind every bush. Say, 
Alec, was it about the aged man-eater youhe 
bringing news?’^ 

The newcomer turned and surveyed Jack 
queerly. He was a fine, manly looking boy, 
with a resolute face, brown curly hair, and eyes 
of the same color. An orphan, Alec lived with 
a guardian, named Mr. Worthington, who being 
a jovial old chap, allowed his ward every priv- 
ilege he asked for. And how the other three did 
envy him the possession of that Reading motor- 
cycle which he called the ^^Comet.^^ They 
had all determined to possess similar machines 
in the near future, and even now were saving 
every dollar they could muster, meaning in 
the case of Budge and Freckles at least, to ask 


30 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


the balance from their respective fathers when 
they had reached a certain sum. 

‘^Why, no, Jack,^’ the newcomer started by 
saying; ^^the news I^m bringing v/ith me does 
happen to be connected with the escape of a 
prisoner bearing a striped coat; but it^s no 
tiger.’’ 

^^Oh! I know what he means!” exclaimed 
Freckles, whose quick wit often outran the 
duller mind of Budge. '‘He’s going to tell us 
there’s another break-away over at Dannemora 
penitentiary, and some of the zebra boys are 
loose!” 

“No use trying to keep anything back when 
Freckles is around,” laughed Alec. 

“Then that’s what it is, eh, Alec?” demanded 
Jack, feeling uneasy, he hardly knew why, 
save that his chum still kept looking at him 
queerly. 

“Yes,” Alec went on, seriously. “Two of 
them got away yesterday, and are said to be 
moving in this direction. The paper had quite 
an account of one fellow holding up our old 
friend Farmer Jasper, who you know lives near 
the lake above, and begging a meal from him.” 

“But what has that got to do with us, Alec?” 
asked Jack. 

“Yes, do you expect that we’re going to run 
across one of those poor chaps, during the time 


STRANGE NEWS 


31 


we^re camped on Harmony Lake? A little food 
would be all he^d want from us, I guess,” 
remarked Freckles; while Budge moved un- 
easily, and a look of alarm began to steal across 
his rosy face. 

^‘Wait. Youll understand better when I 
tell you the names of the two convicts that have 
broken loose,” said Alec. ^^One was called Dan 
Brockett; and the other^s name is Hans Barker!” 

At that Jack gave utterance to a cry that 
seemed to spring from his very heart. 

^^At last!” he exclaimed. knew it would 
come some day; yes, even when things looked 
darkest something seemed to tell me to still 
hope on. For you see. Freckles and Budge, 
that was the name of the scoundrel who stole 
my father^s secret — the key to his wonderful 
invention, the loss of which has almost caused 
him to lose his mind. Hans Barker — and so he 
was in prison all the while we hunted for him?” 

'‘Yes, the whole story came out in the New 
York paper. I got it just before leaving home 
and you can read it later. It tells about what 
he did to be arrested, having burglarized a house 
down in New York City. Nothing was found 
on him in the shape of a paper; so you see, Jack, 
he either destroyed that drawing he stole from 
your father, or else hid it away.” 

“Oh! I am sure he would never have burned 


32 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


it up, for Hans was too smart not to know its 
value to him. Perhaps he secreted it, with the 
intention of some day trying to make a fortune 
out of it. And Alec, didn^t you say they had 
come this way — that one of them had been 
seen near the lake?^^ 

^^Yes, that^s what the account said. And 
perhaps well see some of the wardens from the 
pen while wele up here,’’ replied the other. 

Jack’s face lighted up with pleasure and eager 
anticipation. 

^^Who knows but what I might happen to run 
across Hans, then,” he muttered. ^^He always 
liked me, too. Oh! if only I could get him to 
tell me where he had hidden my poor father’s 
drawing! Wouldn’t it be the finest thing that 
ever happened?” 

Alec saw that his chum was deeply affected 
by the news. He gave him the new^spaper 
in which he had seen the account. Then he 
started chatting with Freckles and Budge to 
keep their attention distracted from Jack while 
he pored over the paper. 

^What’s the matter here?” asked Alec, “Seems 
to me Budge has a haunting look of distress on 
his face I never remember seeing there before. 
What’s happened to upset you, old fellow? 
Thinking of the missing tiger? There isn’t one 
chance in a thousand we’ll see anything of the 


STRANGE NEWS 


33 


beast. Like as not he^s thirty miles away 
from here; and perhaps the circus men may 
have trapped him by this time. 1 heard they 
were out in force to gather in the animals that 
got away/^ 

Budge grinned in a sickly fashion. 

*'Say, do I just have to confess, fellows?’^ 
he asked, pleadingly. 

^ ^Course you do,” Freckles immediately as- 
serted, his curiosity being aroused. just 
bet now he’s gone and smuggled a piano, or 
something like that, along with his banjo, and 
means to set us crazy with his warbling.” 

^^You couldn’t guess it in a week,” declared 
Budge, with a grimace. “Listen to my tale of 
woe, fellows. You all know how I’ve been 
scraping and saving every dollar, so as to get 
a motorcycle like Alec’s this fall? Well, I’ve 
gone and made a fool of myself, and stand to 
lose a nice little bunch of bones through sheer 
stupidity.” 

“I can well believe that!” muttered Freckles; 
whereat Budge scowled at him, and continued 
with his confession. 

“Well,” the worried one went on saying, 
“you know my den on the top floor of our 
house — I’ve got three gas burners there, and 
my dad told me last month that I was burning 
entirely too much gas, sitting up there with 


34 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


you fellows at all hours of the night. So he 
laid down the law, and from now on every cent 
over the average he set, he’s going to make me 
stand for.” 

^^Shucks! is that all that’s ailing you?” burst 
out Freckles. ^^Why, just stop and think, 
you’ll be making money all the time you’re up 
here at the lake.” 

^That’s just the trouble,” said Budge, forlorn- 
ly. ^Tm in danger of getting swamped, of 
losing the good coin hand over fist. Because, 
you see, I never had occasion to go up to my 
den after I locked the door last night; and for 
the life of me I can’t remember whether I turned 
those three lights out or not. Sometimes I 
seem to think I did; and then the horrible idea 
hits me square in the face that I didn’t do 
anything of the kind!” 

''Oh! that’s a rough deal, sure enough. Budge!” 
exclaimed Alec; while Freckles grinned amiably, 
as though he felt rather tickled over the occur- 
rence. 

"Just think of me laying awake every night 
after this trying to remember what I did,” 
the other went on, with a deep sigh that seemed 
to well up from his shoes. "A fine vacation 
I’m going to have, ain’t I now? I can just 
imagine I hear that awful meter down in the 
cellar, chcking away ever so fast, day and night. 


STRANGE NEWS 


35 


and eating up my savings, cent by cent. And 
you know how we all made a solemn vow that 
not one of us should go back home till the week 
was up, on pain of the most dreadful penalties! 
I^m in a bad fix, and don^t you forget it.’’ 

^^Hold on,” said Alec, consolingly. ^^You know 
Jack means to get in wireless touch with that 
lame boy living next door to him. Bud Per- 
kaiser. Now, when they get things working 
all right, why, you can ask him to step around 
to your house, and see if the gas is really burn- 
ing.” 

^ Thank you, Alec; you relieve my mind 
somewhat; but it means several days’ wait, 
anyhow,” Budge remarked, giving signs of feel- 
ing a little more cheerful over the prospect. 

^^But I don’t understand why somebody 
wouldn’t see the blessed lights burning, by 
looking up at the windows, and put ’em out?” 
remarked Freckles. 

'^Oh!” Budge exclaimed, forgot to tell you 
that I’ve got those dark green shades over all 
the windows, and I always pull ’em down when 
I light up. Nobody would know whether the 
gas was Wning, day or night.” 

''But even if the lame boy went around, 
how’d he find out?” persisted Frec-kles. 

"Nothing to hinder him going up to see for 
himself,” replied the other. "I hide the key 


36 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


to my den under the carpet at the head of the 
stairs. Used to forget to fetch it along so much, 
I got tired of toddling down after it. We could 
tell him that; and he can always get in at the 
side door. Fellers come in any old time, and 
Susan, our girl, she don^t pay any attention 
to ^em.” 

^Well, forget it for a while. Budge. Even if 
it is burning it won^t break you to stand a little 
loss,” Alec remarked. 

^^But I hope Jack will get his blooming wire- 
less in working order as soon as he can, that’s 
what,” Budge said, hopefully. 

“Oh! I forgot to tell you about the fellow I 
overtook on the way here,” Alec remarked. 
“I don’t suppose either of you could guess in a 
week of Sundays. It was Gid Staples!” 

“The bully of Staunton, the fellow who’s 
given us more trouble at times than any three 
in town. Now, what d’ye suppose he wants up 
in this direction?” asked Freckles, uncon- 
sciously putting up a hand to feel of his nose; 
for once upon a time he had been engaged in a 
hand-to-hand encounter with the said Gid, 
from which he had emerged with a badly bruised 
face, though honors were said to be even. 

“Don’t know,” Alec continued. “He was 
mounted on that horrible old wheel of his, 
with the tires tied up with rags, and plastered 


STRANGE NEWS 


37 


with tape until it looks like fun. Had a package 
of some kind tied on the handlebars too. Just 
scowled at me as I went flying past, and made 
some sort of face. But he was several miles 
out of town, and it was getting dark too.^^ 

^'Hey! p^raps Gid^s been chased out of town,^^ 
suggested Budge, with a grin. 

^Tt wouldn’t surprise me a whit if he was,” 
replied Alec. ^^He’s been a bad egg for a long 
while now, and more’n a few times been warned 
that he’d be jugged if he didn’t mend his ways.” 

Jack lifted his head just then, from reading 
the newspaper by the firelight. 

“What was that you said about Gid Staples, 
Alec?” he asked. 

“Only that I met him on his old wheel; or 
rather overtook him on the road, for he was 
heading up this way,” replied the other. 

“I wonder if that could have anything to do 
with the escape of Hans,” Jack went on, eager- 
ly; “for perhaps you may not know it, all of 
you, but Gid Staples is a full cousin to Hans 
Barker. And you said that he had a package 
tied to his handlebars too, didn’t you, Alec?” 

“Yes, that’s so,” replied his chum; “but I 
wouldn’t bank too much on there being any- 
thing in that idea. Jack. He may be going 
over to Mt. Holyoke to take a job, working for 
some farmer there.” 


38 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


^Well, that’s hard to believe for many rea- 
sons,” Freckles declared positively. Tirst, 
Gid never works. Second, no farmer who 
knew him would give him a job. And last of 
all, if he was going all of that distance over a 
rough, hilly road, Gid would never, never start 
so late in the afternoon. How’s that, fellows?” 

^^Sounds good to me, for afact,” remarked Alec. 

‘^Hard common sense back of that statement. 
Freckles,” Budge asserted, solemnly. 

^^And I believe that what I hinted at msiy 
turn out to be the truth,” Jack declared. 
some way, perhaps, Hans has been able 
to get in touch with Gid. They used to be 
something of cronies a while back, I remember. 
And now Gid may be taking some clothes up 
to the escaped convict, to replace his striped 
suit that gives him away wherever he may go. 
Or it may be food he’s carrying. But something 
seems to tell me his coming has to do with the 
fact of Hans getting away.” 

He went back to pondering over the strange 
affair, and his three comrades cleared away 
the remains of the supper. A little while later 
they were making up their beds for the night, 
each one securing a certain amount of hemlock 
browse to cover the ground under a blanket 
to the depth of several inches; and this promised 
a comfortable and fragrant couch. 


STRANGE NEWS 


39 


Budge was out after another supply of the 
small twigs while the others rounded off their 
places under the tent. Just as Freckles was 
about to make one of his usual witty remarks, 
he stared at Budge crawling in under the flap; 
for the face of the other was as white as chalk. 

^^He’s here, f-fellows!^’ stammered the fat 
boy, his eyes looking like small saucers, they 
seemed to stick out of his head so far. ^‘1 t-told 
you the b-blessed old tigered be after me! 
J-just saw him creepin^ through the bushes out 
there, right where you s-stood your wheel up 
against a tree, Alec. B-bet you he wants to 
nab one of us, arid run off with the m-motor- 
cycle!’’ 

None of them thought to laugh just then at 
the absurdity of Budge’s declaration. Even 
the idea of a trick circus tiger riding a wheel 
did not appear to strike the humorous Freckles 
as comical at that particular moment; though 
later on he might recall those words, and roar 
over them. Budge was the picture of fright, 
and his alarm communicated in a measure to 
the rest. 

Jack picked up the shotgun, and started to 
dash out, with the others trailing after him 
in a stream. Freckles managed to lay hold of 
the hatchet they had brought along; Alec 
wielded a heavy billet of wood; while Budge, 


40 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


hardly knowing what he was doing, clutched 
his precious banjo, as though unwilling to leave 
it to the tender mercies of the jungle beast. 

In this fashion then the quartet issued forth 
from under the tent. Naturally enough their 
eyes were immediately turned in the direction of 
the tree against which Alec had left his m,otor- 
cycle when he arrived. To their intense wonder 
the machine was no longer there; but something 
moving over on the road caught their attention. 
Poor Budge gaped as he saw what he believed 
was the striped jungle beast trundling the heavy 
motorcycle along, to suddenly leap into the 
saddle, and pedal vigorously away! 


THE RXJNAWAY MOTORCYCLE 41 


CHAPTER IV 

THE RUNAWAY MOTORCYCLE 

^^Stay in camp till we come back, Budge and 
Freckles!’^ shouted Alec, as he started wildly 
down the road after Jack, who, gun in hand 
had begun to chase in the wake of the fleeing 
motorcycle thief. 

^'Oh! my goodness gracious! did you ever see 
the like of that?’’ cried Budge, turning with 
staring eyes toward his tall comrade. 

Freckles did not entirely like the idea of being 
left out of the hunt; but he recognized the 
wisdom of some one remaining by the camp to 
guard their valued possessions; and Budge did 
not count for much in that line. 

“It was pretty swift, for a fact,” he admitted, 
looking after the runners, who of course had 
passed out of sight; though he could hear sounds 
from the darkness that seemed to take on the 
form of shouts and wild laughter. 

“I never would have believed a poor old 
toothless tiger could a-rode a wheel, if I didn’t 
see it with my own eyes!” Budge went on, 
seriously, with an utter disregard for grammar. 


42 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


Freckles turned on him at that. 

^^Hey! what’s eating you, Budge?” he cried. 
^^Mean to tell me you really believe it was a 
genuine man-eating tiger that hooked Alec’s 
wheel, and pedaled off like hot cakes?” 

^Why, sure it was,” replied the other, in- 
nocently, ^^didn’t you see his stripes? When I 
glimpsed him in the bushes he growled at me like 
the dickens, and I thought I was a goner. They 
must a-taught him that trick in the sawdust 
ring, I reckon.” 

Upon which Freckles doubled up like a hinge 
that was closing, and fairly held his sides as 
he roared with laughter. 

^^Listen to that, would you?” he cried. ^^An 
educated tiger, giving free shows at bareback 
riding on the turnpike! Hey! Budge, where 
are your ears? Don’t you hear somebody 
laughing at the top of their voice, and yelling 
like mad? Think that’s either of our chums, 
do you? Well, you’re away off, if so. That’s 
your man-eater whooping it up! He’s being 
run away with by the motorcycle going lickety- 
split downgrade, and he don’t know enough 
about a machine to put on the brake. I’m 
afraid there’s going to be something happen to 
Alec’s bully old motorcycle. And as to the 
escaped convict, he may get his head cracked 
in the tumble he’s going to take pretty soon.” 


THE RUNAWAY MOTORCYCLE 43 


^What! was it a man, then?^’ exclaimed the 
amazed Budge. ^^Oh! how silly of me to think 
that only a zebra and a tiger had stripes! Of 
course convicts are marked that way so they 
can’t hide out. And that’s why Jack refused 
to shoot at him with the gun. He thinks it 
may be Hans, and he doesn’t want to hurt him, 
because Hans is the only one who knows where 
that valuable paper is hidden! 

Freckles was still looking and listening, al- 
though the sounds had grown fainter, as if 
the party on the runaway motorcycle found 
his breath failing him; or else distance mellowed 
the noise. 

All at once there was a wild whoop, accom- 
panied by what seemed to be a crash. 

^There!” ejaculated Freckles, clapping his 
hands; “that was when he did it, all right. I’m 
sorry for Hans, and likewise for poor Alec’s 
wheel. If one is broken it means the other 
stands a good show to be in the same fix. Now 
we’ll have to wait for, the boys to come back, 
and just spend our time guessing what happened.” 

Meanwhile Jack and Alec had sped down 
the incline after the thief, who was making the 
heavy motorcycle fly along faster and faster, 
although he knew nothing about its mechanism, 
and depended on the grade, as well as his feet 
being on the pedals, to urge him on his way. 


44 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


The two boys kept almost side by side as 
they ran. Both were good sprinters although 
hkely enough the longer-legged Freckles could 
outrun either in a pinch, for a short distance at 
least. 

The man who had stolen the wheel, for some 
purpose or other, seemed to know that the two 
lads were chasing after him. Perhaps he had 
seen them make the start. At any rate he soon 
began to send back defiant cries, partly through 
recklessness, and again on account of his ex- 
citement. 

^^He must be wabbling like the dickens, Jack!^’ 
gasped Alec, whose keen hearing detected certain 
signs that another might not catch. 

^‘Yes, and any second I expect to hear a 
smash!’’ said Jack, between his set teeth. 

^^My poor motorcycle, good-by!” groaned the 
owner. 

''And I hope Hans don’t break his neck in 
the bargain!” grunted Jack, who of course 
could think of only that one important thing, 
to the effect that the convict carried with him 
the secret concerning the hiding place of that 
precious paper which he. Jack, would give so 
much to regain. 

"He must be at the bottom of the incline by 
now!” Alec presently shot across. 

"Then we’ll get him on the rise, for he can’t 


THE RUNAWAY MOTORCYCLE 45 


push the machine up, and keep out of our 
hands,’’ wheezed Jack. 

^^Oh! listen to that, will you?” cried Alec, 
hardly able to suppress a groan as there came 
the same whoop Freckles and Budge had heard, 
accompanied by a crash, and succeeded by silence. 

guess he’s done it all right, that time,” 
granted Jack, in dismay, as he thought of the 
bitter disappointment that would be his portion 
if the escaped convict had indeed broken his 
wretched neck. 

^T’ve got some matches, if we can only find 
where he went smash,” he added, as they still 
continued to hurry along toward the bottom of 
the descent. 

can see you there, and go one better,” 
remarked Alec; ^^for I happen to have my little 
electric torch in my pocket. Thought I might 
find some use for it on this camping trip. We 
must be near the spot now. Jack. Wonder 
which side he took his header from.” 

As he spoke Alec produced the small but ser- 
viceable torch of which he had just made men- 
tion. Once he had pressed the button a mellow 
flood of light shot forth, directed principally 
in one direction. Alec immediately turned it 
to the ground, for his western training was apt 
to stand him in good play right there. 

^^Here, you can see the marks of the two 


46 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


wheels/’ he observed. ^^And just as you said, 
they wabble from one side of the road to the 
other. All we’ve got to do is to follow them a 
bit. What’s that ahead, Jack? Looks to me 
like a bridge over a creek.” 

^^Just what it is,” replied the other. ^Terhaps 
an outlet from one of the lakes above, running 
down to the river. What if he plunged into 
that? Did you hear anything that sounded 
like a splash, Alec?” 

^^Don’t know. I thought it was a crash; but 
after all it might be the other. Look here, this 
is where he lunged across the road, and went 
through the bushes!” 

The two boys, with their hearts beating much 
faster than was their wont, followed the track 
of the machine. They did not know what they 
were about to see, once they had entered among 
the scrub alongside the road. 

^There’s your wheel, Alec!” exclaimed Jack, 
suddenly, clutching his companion by the arm, 
and pointing beyond. 

Alec raised the little torch so that its feeble 
rays showed them plainly the motorcycle not 
twenty feet away. 

^^Why it’s stuck in some soft mud!” said Jack. 

^'As sure as you live; and let’s hope it wasn’t 
badly injured when it landed,” the other lad 
remarked, as he pushed on. 


THE RUNAWAY MOTORCYCLE 47 


They kept on the lookout, expecting to dis- 
cover a human figure garbed in the striped 
garments of a convict somewhere close by; but 
strange to say nothing of the kind seemed to 
reward their diligent search. 

^^Here’s where he landed in the mud;^^ cried 
Jack, presently, and with positive relief in his 
voice; ^Then I guess Hans wasnT killed, or hurt 
very bad. He may live to give me the in- 
formation I want, after all.” 

^^Why, yes, he landed on all fours, like a big 
frog,” observed Alec. ^^See, here’s where his 
two hands stuck in the mud. You can see the 
print of every finger as plain as anything.” 

^^Oh! that makes me remember something,” 
said Jack. ^Xet me have your torch for just a 
minute, please, Alec.” 

He stooped down, and seemed to be closely 
examining the imprint of the convict’s hands. 
When he once more arose Alec saw that a look 
of perplexity had come upon his chum’s face. 

^^What ails you. Jack?” he asked, knowing 
that the other had met with a disappointment 
of some kind. 

i ^^Why, I was wrong, after all. This fellow isn’t 
Hans, but must be that other prisoner who 
escaped the same time he did,” Jack replied, 
shaking his head sadly. 

'^But how can you tell, when you haven’t 


48 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


seen him, only as he bolted with the machine? 
How do you know it isn’t Hans?” demanded 
Alec. 

^The imprint of his left hand tells me,” re- 
plied his chum, pointing down at the mud 
where the fellow had sprawled on all fours, after 
being thrown from the wheel. 

^‘You see, Hans had the misfortune to lose 
his forefinger from that hand. This man has 
all of his fingers just as much as I have. Look 
for yourself, Alec.” 

Taking the little torch Alec made haste to 
confirm this fact. 

^^Say, now, that’s what I call a clever thought 
on your part. Jack. Couldn’t have done better 
if you’d lived on the plains all your life. Yes, 
in that case then, we are dead sure now that 
the man who got away with your wheel wasn’t 
Hans. 'Perhaps he’s further up in the hills, and 
we may run across him later on.” 

He said this because he saw that Jack had 
really met with a keen disappointment, and he 
wished to buoy up his hopes; rather than that 
he had any great expectation of such a thing 
coming true. 

Taking hold of the motorcycle they proceeded 
to haul it back to the road again. Here both 
boys examined it as well as they were able, 
with the little light at their disposal. 


THE RUNAWAY MOTORCYCLE 


49 


^'Bully!’’ exclaimed Alec, with considerable 
enthusiasm, for him; honestly can’t see 
where there’s been any particular damage done 
by that plunge into the mud. It must be that 
some of Budge’s luck is coming my way nowa- 
days.” 

‘^1 suppose there’s no use in' our hunting for 
the fellow,” remarked Jack, as he looked back 
toward the place of the accident. 

^^Not that I know of,” replied his chum; add- 
ing with a laugh: ‘Ve haven’t lost any pair 
of striped pajamas that I know of. Let the 
poor chap alone. It will take him the rest of 
the night to scrape all that mud from his face 
and clothes. What a sight he will be! As 
for us, the sooner we hike back to camp the 
better Freckles and Budge will be pleased.” 

This seemed to be a wise proposition, and 
so they started without delay. 

On arriving at the fire, which the others 
made sure was burning cheerily, the pair of 
returned adventurers were greeted with a volley 
of questions. 

'Take it easy now, fellows,” laughed Alec. 
"You’ll hear everything, all in good time. You 
see, we recovered my motorcycle j and so far 
as I can find out there’s been no damage done. 
Come and sit down. Jack will give you the 
particulars, while I start in to clean up the 


50 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


wheel. I’d hate to leave it in this nasty state 
till morning.” 

Jack was well able to do the needful. Of 
course his little yarn was interrupted many 
times by the impatient Freckles, who seemed 
to get ahead of the story every little while. 
Budge on the contrary just sat and gulped the 
narrative in, his fat face the seat of both wonder 
and admiration. 

When Jack came to the point where he learned 
that the motorcycle thief could not have been 
Hans, both boys broke out into a cheer. 

^That was fine of you. Jack!” said Freckles, 
never would have thought of such a dodge. 
But what under the sun d’ye suppose the fellow 
wanted of your machine? He didn’t know 
how to run it; guess he thought it was just 
some new kind of a bicycle, and would give 
him a chance to spin out of this section.” 

‘That’s the conclusion Alec and I reached 
after talking it over,” Jack responded, calmly. 
‘‘But he made a mistake. On the level he 
might have pedaled off with some show; but 
on the down grade the heavy machine just 
turned the tables.” 

“You mean it ran away with the thief?” asked 
Budge, grinning. 

“Just what happened. But all’s well that 
ends well,” Jack went on. “Alec has his 


THE RUNAWAY MOTORCYCLE 51 


motorcycle back again; and the fellow saved 
his neck. I don^t think wedl be bothered again 
with him.^’ 

“All the same” spoke up Alec, “weVe just got 
to keep watch and watch tonight. When tigers 
and escaped convicts are abroad we can’t afford 
to all sleep at once.” 


52 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


CHAPTER V 

POOR BUDGE 

The night passed without any alarm. 

It was really divided into three watches, for 
knowing the proneness of poor Budge to sleep, 
Alec dared not trust him on guard alone. Filled 
with the best of intentions the stout youth 
would be found calmly snoring before half an 
hour had passed. Wake him up and lecture 
him, and the chances were that he would drop 
off again, even while the talk was going on. 
To Alec’s mind he was a hopeless case. 

But that night brought no further disturbance. 
Morning came at length, and the four boys 
busied themselves in preparing breakfast, as 
well as getting the tent down, so as to make 
an early start. 

When the time came to move on, Alec was 
the pioneer. Mounted on his Reading machine, 
he served as the pilot. Jack looked after the 
old White Elephant, and carefully nursed it 
along, up the grade beyond the scene of the 
previous night’s mishap to the motor thief. 


POOR BUDGE 


53 


This name had been given with a double 
meaning to the doctor's turned down car. 

Not only was it white in color; but it made such 
agonizing sounds when in action that it seemed 
as though every part of the machinery were 
offering up a protest against inhuman treatment. 

Besides, Freckles had had so much trouble 
with the monster in times past, that he always 
declared it was a 'Vhite elephant on his hands," 
eating up his spending money at a terrific rate, 
in gasolene and repairs. 

Of course the two boys who had remained 
in camp had to get out at the bridge, to see for 
themselves just where the thief had taken 
his mad whirl; and they even got down to 
examine the imprint of his hands. 

A mile further on the car gave a last groan, 
and refused to climb another yard. 

But they had been expecting this, and Jack 
without a word climbed out, raised the hood, 
and started to tinker with the works. 

^^Half an hour for a rest, fellows," he an- 
nounced, with a laugh. 'T think the old top 
is just leg weary, that's all. But we've got 
the whole day before us; and it ain't morc'n a 
few miles to the second lake, you know." 

“Thank goodness for that," grumbled Freckles. 
“Because if she tries this balking game every 
mile, we'll take till dark to fetch up there, 
all right." 


54 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


‘Wake me up when things are fixed, please,’^ 
announced Budge, calmly, settling himself com- 
fortably on the seat as if for a nap. 

“No you don’t,” cried Freckles, seizing hold 
of his collar, and forcing him out of the car 
by main force. “You snoozed the whole blessed 
night, while the rest of us stood guard like men 
and heroes. You’re taking life too easy, as 
it is. Physical exercise is what you need, my 
boy; and now you’ve just got to keep me com- 
pany to the top of this hill.” 

“Oh! piffle! what’s the use of being in such 
a hurry?” complained Budge, trjdng to hold 
back, but without success as the other just 
marched him off. 

“Didn’t you hear Jack say the poor old car 
was worn out from toting such a load?” de- 
manded, his tormentor. “You’re the main guy 
who’s causing the trouble. I’ll walk a pound 
or more off you. Jack, look for us when you 
climb to the summit.” 

It was all of half an hour before Jack coaxed 
the machine to be good again, and take up its 
wheezing programme. He found his comrades 
awaiting him above, Alec having come back to 
ascertain what was causing the delay; though 
he could easily hazard a guess, knowing of old 
the tricks of the cranky White Elephant. 

It was easy work coasting down the next 


POOR BUDGE 


55 


hill; and after that they had another climb. 
This brought them within sight of the first of 
the two little sheets of clear water, called Lake 
Constance. 

Skirting the shore of this they continued to 
mount still higher, though the rise was not so 
steep now. Wonderful to say, the old motor 
car seemed to have taken a new lease of life, 
and failed to balk again. When Budge started 
to comment on this seeming miracle. Freckles 
immediately clapped both his hands over his 
mouth hissing: 

^^Keep still, you silly! Don’t mention it 
above a whisper. If the bally old thing hears 
you, ten to one she’ll just give a grunt, and 
throw up the sponge fiat. Guess I ought to 
know her ways by this time. She’s booming 
along all right now, because she forgets she’s 
going. Tell her about it, and just for spite 
she’ll kick over the traces. So forget it after 
this. Talk of the scenery, that striped tiger, 
the escaped jail birds — anything but White 
Elephants.” 

Presently they lost sight of the lake, and 
once more entered among a heavy growth of 
timber. The loneliness of the place increased 
as they advanced. High hills on every side 
seemed to shut them in. 

^This is just the thing for us, fellows,” an- 


56 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


nounced Alec, as he surveyed their wild sur- 
roundings. 

Budge shivered a little, and had nothing to 
say. He seemed to look at each successive 
thicket as though he really anticipated that 
something would spring out, and give them 
another exciting experience. 

These boys had formed a club, based upon 
Alecks ownership of a motorcycle, and the 
hopes which the other three entertained of 
also securing similar mounts by the time fall 
came along. They called it the Up-to-date 
Motorcycle Club, and of course each one of 
them held an office, Alec being president. Jack 
vice ditto, Freckles the secretary, and Budge 
treasurer. 

It was their aim and intention to take a 
long trip the following autumn, when Alec 
expected to have to go South on business con- 
nected with the settling of his father’s estate, 
he being the only heir to the property. 

Meanwhile, as has been stated before, each 
of the other boys was saving every dollar he 
could command; and it was understood that 
the fathers of Budge and Freckles would com- 
plete their fund if they reached a certain high 
watermark. 

As for Jack, just at present he could not 
positively say that he would be in a condition 


POOR BUDGE 


57 


to accompany his mates, or not. A great deal 
depended on how matters turned out in re- 
lation to the discovery of that valuable draw- 
ing; or his father recalling the essential key- 
note to his wonderful little invention, which, 
by slipping from his mind, had reduced him to 
a pitiable condition. 

This outing afield had been arranged just to 
get together, and talk over future plans, as well 
as enjoy themselves in camp for a season. 

Wonderful to relate the old automobile man- 
aged to keep up its good work until the very 
moment they came to the spot where they 
thought they ought to set up the tent for a 
permanent camp. 

Then with a grunt it gave up the ghost again; 
whereat Freckles burst out into a shout. 

^^Now, what d^e know about that, fellows?^^ 
he cried, as he jumped over the back of the 
tonneau; while Budge slowly climbed out the 
usual way, looking sorry to be disturbed. 

bamboozled the old machine the worst 
ever. Thinks it’s playing a trick on us; but the 
joke’s all the other way, for we’ve arrived. 
Easy enough to shove her into the bushes, 
and let her rest up for a week. Perhaps she’ll 
carry us home better; just like horses always 
perk up when headed for their stable.” 

^^Oh! not always,” grinned Budge; ^^you for- 


58 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


get our old Dobbin, and how I won that wager 
from you once, Freckles/’ 

The recollection caused both Jack and Alec 
to emit sundry laughs; and Freckles joined 
in with his dry chuckle. 

^That was the only time you ever got the 
better of me. Budge,” he said. ^^And if I do 
say it, you deserve great credit for thinking 
up such a sly game.” 

The occasion had given all Staunton cause 
for many a laugh. Freckles had declared that 
the ancient horse owned by Budge’s mother 
could not be coaxed to go five miles without 
the use of a whip. Budge had taken him up 
and when the time came for the experiment, lo 
and behold, the fat boy, knowing the fondness 
of Dobbin for sweet hay, had formed a clever plan 
to take advantage of this liking. 

Strapping a stick down the front of the 
horse’s head, from the end of this he fastened 
a nice little clump of hay, just beyond reach. 
Every time Dobbin tried to take a bite it seemed 
to retreat, necessitating his advancing a pace. 
And so the patient and unsuspecting creature 
had gone on, always expecting to come up 
with the hay; and covering the five miles with- 
out a single stop, to the cheering of the crowd 
that watched the ridiculous performance. 

After that Freckles had been cautious how 


POOR BUDGE 


59 


he provoked his fat chum for some little time, 
realizing that after all there was something in 
that head of Budge, once it was stirred to action. 

The spot where the tent was pitched was 
close to thp lovely sheet of water known as 
Lake Harmony. Just back of them a sort of 
cliff arose at the base of which a number of 
trees grew, their tops sweeping the summit of 
the rocky rise. 

It seemed an ideal place for camping, with a 
water view that quite charmed the heart of 
Alec. That cliff would also serve to protect them 
from any blow that happened to spring up from 
the west, where most summer storms had their 
birth. 

When noon came they had the camp pretty 
well in order. Alec found a place to keep his 
motorcycle safe from possible rain; and at the 
same time he chained it fast, not meaning to 
chance another raid on the part of wandering 
tramp or escaped convict. 

Before the afternoon had well begun. Budge 
was coaxing Jack to pick out the two trees up 
on the hillside, which he would make use of 
as masts in fashioning his wireless outfit. For 
Budge was consumed by an overwhelming 
desire to get in touch with some one in the home 
town, who could be wheedled into going around 
to his house in order to make sure about those 


60 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


perplexing gas jets that were supposed to be 
burning hour after hour, day and night, to the 
confusion of his, Budge’s pocketbook. 

Being of an obliging nature Jack readily 
consented; and hence with both Freckles and 
Budge dangling at his heels, he set forth, taking 
the axe along; for there would have to be con- 
siderable chopping before he could start rigging 
up his wires. 

So the afternoon wore away, and again 
evening drew near. 

Among the other things brought along to 
add to their comfort in the line of food was a 
fine little home-smoked ham, which Budge had 
contributed. He was very proud of that ham, 
and often referred to its toothsome qualities. 
It had been the product of a farmer who lived 
on a place owned by Mr. Clifford; and even 
while they were enjoying the supper Freckles 
prepared. Budge frequently begged them not 
to eat too much, for he wanted them to do 
justice to the fried ham they meant to have 
for breakfast. 

For fear lest some prowling animal sneak 
into camp and steal their meat, Freckles had 
even been coaxed to climb one of the trees that 
stood alongside the cliff, and secure the ham, 
together with a strip of bacon, to a crotch about 
twenty feet from the ground. 


POOR BUDGE 


61 


This was the idea of Budge himself, and he 
felt very proud of having conjured it up. Often 
he would look toward the spot where the 
articles in question were hidden from sight, and 
chuckle. It did not take much to keep Budge 
in good humor, apparently. 

During the preparation and eating of the 
supper there was a delightful fragrance of 
cooking around the vicinity of the camp. 
Freckles had fetched a string of sausages along, 
the first of the season, he proudly declared, and 
it was these that they cooked, as they would 
not be so apt to keep as the smoked meat. 

After finishing eating, the boys lay around 
and chatted. It was very pleasant and peaceful. 
Countless stars dotted the heavens overhead, 
and did their little part toward lightening the 
pall of darkness that would hold good until 
midnight, when the declining moon might be 
expected to show above the hills across the lake. 

A whippoorwill called to his mate in the trees 
near by. Frogs croaked in a not unmusical 
chorus j while crickets took up the refrain. 

Budge was always thirsty. He drank as 
much as any two of his chums. Perhaps the 
sausages did have an unusual amount of salt 
in them. At any rate, leaving his comrades. 
Budge picked up the tin bucket, as he casually 
remarked: 


62 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


^^Guess I’ll go get a fresh bucket of water at 
the spring, fellows. Somebody is sure to want 
a drink during the night!” 

Freckles opened his mouth to say something, 
and then resolutely closed it again, not wishing 
to frighten the fat boy, lest he refuse to quit 
the fire. So Budge, all unthinking, calmly 
waddled along toward the spring not far away; 
and ten seconds later came face to face with the 
crouching object that had staring yellow eyes, 
and lashed a long tail back and forth in a horrible 
way! 


LOST, STRAYED OR STOLEN! 63 


CHAPTER VI 

LOST, STRAYED OR STOLEN ! 

Budge seemed frozen with horror at first. 
He could not move a finger, nor even find his 
voice in order to cry out. 

There could be no possible doubt with regard 
to the identity of the beast this time. 

He was surely face to face with the Jabber- 
wock — the awful creature which had been haunt- 
ing him, sleeping and waking, ever since he 
heard about its escape from the cage of the 
menagerie — the striped tiger from the East 
India jungle! 

Budge never gave a thought to the fact that 
the animal was supposed to be fairly tame, 
and trained to do various tricks before a circus 
audience, moreover, that age had fastened on 
him, so that even his teeth were gone, and he 
had difficulty in masticating his food. 

A tiger was a tiger to Budge, and that meant 
a ferocious beast, ready and willing to jump 
on a plump boy, with base designs along the 
line of a meal. 


64 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


He could hear the big cat actually purring, 
just as he had often known his own tabby to do 
at home, only in this case the sound was much 
magnified in his startled imagination. 

All at once he seemed to be given the power 
to move, and use his voice; and it can be set 
down as positive that Budge was not at all 
slow to avail himself of the privilege. 

Something impelled him to throw the empty 
tin bucket straight at the crouching beast. 

At the same time Budge let out an awful 
screech that might well have filled the heart 
of any ordinary animal with alarm. 

Turning, the fat boy plunged toward the camp 
fire. Hardly observing where he was going 
he of course stumbled more than a few times, 
and once rolled completely over, only to bound 
erect again like a big rubber ball, and continue 
his flight. As he galloped madly along he was 
whooping it up at the top of his shrill voice: 

^Tiger! tiger! Lookout, fellows T Somebody 
get the gun, and shoot him! Hey! ainT you 
goin^ to save me! Wow! I^m a goner sure! 
Tiger!’’ 

Of course, at the crash of the bucket, and the 
very first shout he gave, those by the fire 
sprang up. Alec was always quick to act, 
and it vras fine to see the way he pounced on 
that double-barreled shotgun that stood against 
the side of the canvas tent. 


LOST, STRAYED OR STOLEN 


65 


And the entire bunch started to run toward 
the oncoming Budge, joining their voices with 
his, until it seemed as though a battle royal 
must be in progress along the shore of peaceful 
Lake Harmony. 

Once Alec threw the gun up as though half 
tempted to fire at some object that was slinking 
off, and of which he only had an indistinct 
glimpse; but apparently on second thought he 
concluded that it would be useless to wound 
the beast, and might bring about the very thing 
they wished to avoid; for after all he failed to 
press the trigger. 

Freckles and Jack laid hands on the stagger- 
ing Budge, and assisted him back to the fire. 
He was gasping for breath, and his eyes stuck 
out as though he might be wearing goggles. 

^^Is it gone, fellows?” he wheezed presently, 
as Alec came up, carrying the tin water pail, 
which seemed to have a great dent in it that he 
was pressing out. 

^^Now, tell me about that, will you?” ex- 
claimed Freckles. ^^Has the poor chap been 
seeing things again; or was it our old friend, 
the trusty with the zebra suit, who gave the 
wardens the slip over at the pen?” 

Budge turned on him with a snort. He was 
getting his breath back; and indignation began 
to make him forget his recent fright. 

^'Huh! think you’re funny, don’t you?” he 


66 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


ejaculated. ^^Guess I know a tiger when I see 
one. Do convicts have big yellow eyes, tell 
me that? And say, when did they take to 
growling like a tomcat, and growing long tails? 
That^s what it had, give you my word. But 
honest now, fellows, I smashed it over the head 
with that tin pail. If it ran off I claim some of 
the credit, remember 

^^Budge is right, boys,” remarked Alec, just 
then. saw the beast making off, and it was 
the old tiger, all right. Besides, when he says 
he hit it with the bucket, here’s the evidence 
that you can’t deny.” 

They crowded around, and stared at the 
dented place, where Alec pointed out a small 
speck of discoloration which looked like blood; 
also several yellow hairs! 

Budge threw his chest out with all the pride 
of a hero at this. His face once more took on 
its customary glow; while his eyes shone brightly. 

^^Don’t laugh another time tiU you’re dead 
sure, Freckles,” he said, condescendingly. Just 
because a fellow happens to be built with some 
flesh on his frame don’t mean he can’t grab a 
chance to do things. Told you all I was practic- 
ing to pitch on the scrub team next year. Guess 
that was a ball over the rubber all right, eh? 
You never made a better shot in all your life. 
Freckles, and you know it.” 


LOST, STRAYED OR STOLEN! 


67 


Freckles stared hard at the positive evidence 
of a center shot, and then held out his hand 
frankly. 

^^Shake, Budge,’’ he said. never thought 
you had it in you, sure I didn’t. Why, bless 
me, if I was a tiger, and got that tin bucket 
bang on my noggin, and heard that yell you 
put up, I’d never stop running under ten miles. 
No danger of our being gobbled up as long as 
your siren voice holds good.” 

Budge never knew just how to take his tall 
chum. Freckles many times liked to inject a 
species of sarcasm in his words that puzzled 
the innocent fat boy. But Budge could afford 
to overlook anything of the sort now. ; He felt 
that he had won imperishable gloryXinl his 
meeting with that old man-eater. 

During the rest of the night, however, it 
might be noticed that he kept close by the fire. 
Alec himself walked to the spring, and brought 
back drinking water in the dented bucket. 
And when they began to grow sleepy Budge 
crawled into the tent first, to pick out his place, 
which was between two other blankets. 

As a hero and a warrior Budge evidently did 
not wish to overwork the thing. He was 
satisfied to let his chums reap a little of the 
honor, if there was indeed any more coming. 

Alec laid out a scheme which would cover 


68 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


the night, and have one of them on the alert all 
the time. Nothing happened to disturb them 
however. If while they stood guard any one 
of the three lads thought they caught myste- 
rious little sounds near by they concluded that 
these must be caused by some of the prowling 
little woods folks — ^perhaps a hungry raccoon 
seeking to secure some of the crusts thrown 
away at meal time; or a field mouse stirring in 
the dead leaves under the trees. 

So another dawn came finally. Budge issued 
from the tent first, yawning and stretching at 
a great rate, as though he might have been up 
half of the night, when in truth none of them 
could remember having heard a peep from him 
since the time he snuggled down under his 
blanket. 

^^Me for a dip in the cool lake!^’ he an- 
nounced; and here he was soon joined by the 
other three. 

For a short time they had a splashing before- 
breakfast bath, and seemed to enjoy it immense- 
ly. But the water was very cold, and at that 
early hour they found their teeth chattering; so 
Alec advised that they call it off. Perhaps in 
the afternoon another swim might come in 
finely. 

Here was where Budge did have the laugh on 
his thin chum. Being so plump himself the 


LOST, STRAYED OR STOLEN! 


69 


cold did not seem to affect him; while poor 
Freckles had blue lips, and was shivering as if 
he had a fit of the ague. 

^Tlay the baby act, will you?” jeered Budge, 
quick to grasp his opportunity to rub it into 
the other. ‘^Can^t stand a little cold, it can’t. 
Poor old Freckles, he’s shaking all to pieces, 
fellows. Listen to his teeth rattle, would you? 
Nov/, what d ’ye suppose a chap like that would 
a-done, if he met up with a big, man-eating 
tiger? Lucky it was me that went to get a 
drink! And pity the animal that ever hoped 
to make a meal off that rack of bones. Goin’ 
to quit? Oh! well, I s’pose I’ll just have to 
come out too, if none of you want to play.” 

All of them were, however, satisfied and they 
once again assumed their warm clothes, for 
the early morning air was indeed ^^nippy,” as 
Freckles said. 

'^Now then, for breakfast!” remarked Jack, 
see you’re thinking of that delicious ham 
I fetched along,” remarked Budge, casting a 
glance up into the tree near by, where their 
stock of smoked meat had been fastened so as 
to be safe. ^^Yum! yum! ain’t I glad I had that 
bright thought, though! Fried ham and eggs 
makes my mouth water. Alec, please ask 
Freckles to go up and get it for us. He’s the 
best climber we have, you know.” 


70 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


That was a bit of sly flattery, designed to put 
the said Freckles in a good humor, so that he 
would do the climbing act. He seemed nothing 
loth, and immediately started off, followed by 
the anxious gaze of the owner of the said ham. 

Jack was busying himself about the fire, 
while Budge as usual started to get the coffee 
going. . Many hands made light work; especially 
when all in camp were so willing to shoulder 
their share of the drudgery. That is what 
campers must always learn, for a shirker always 
puts a damper on the pleasure of an outing. 

Presently they heard Freckles calling out. He 
had evidently mounted into the tree as directed, 
but seemed to have met with some sort of snag. 

'‘Hey! where did you put that ham?’’ he was 
asking; and no sooner did Budge hear that than 
he started up, dropping the coffee pot in his 
alarm. 

"Mercy! what does he want to know that for?” 
he exclaimed. "Answer him, won’t you, Alec? 
Tell him to use his eyes, or we’ll get him a pair 
of spectacles.” 

"I hung it right side by side with the strip of 
bacon. Freckles!” called Alec; and then, to 
the further consternation of Budge the boy 
aloft shouted back: 

"Well, that’s the funniest thing, then, for it 
ain’t here. I’ve got the bacon all right, fellows. 


LOST, STRAYED OR STOLEN! 


71 


but your bully old home-smoked ham has flown 
away in the night, Budge!” 

“Hold me, fellows!” groaned poor Budge, 
“I’m afraid I’m going to faint!” 


72 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


CHAPTER VII 

THE MYSTEKY THICKENS 

^^Brace up, Budge,’’ said Alec, “perhaps he’s 
only joshing us!” 

“Oh! that would be cruelty to animals!” 
gasped the fat boy, following after the others to 
the foot of the tall tree that stood close to the. 
cliff. 

They could now see Freckles on his lofty perch. 
He had one long leg thrown around a limb, and 
was gazing down at them, a blank look on his face. 

“Honest Injun now, fellows,” he called out; 
“lain’t fooling; there’s your strip of bacon just 
as I told you, and never a sign of any sweet little 
ham around.” 

“Then that measly old tiger got it, after all!” 
groaned Budge. “Oh! don’t I wish I’d only hit 
him harder when I was about it, and laid him 
out. It’s a shame, that’s what, for me to tote 
that beautiful ham away up here, just to feed an 
old crosseyed cat that can’t see to dodge a bucket 
even. I’m going to make that circus owner pay 
the damages, I tell you now.” 


THE MYSTERY THICKENS 


73 


''Be sure and don^t forget that dent in our 
nice new water pail, Budge called down the 
boy in the tree, as if in full sympathy with the 
lamentations of his fat chum. 

Alec immediately started to climb up. He was 
still far from positive that Freckles might not be 
trying to give them a little scare. Perhaps the 
tricky fellow had hidden the ham in some hollow, 
and was pretending not to see it. 

But after arriving alongside Freckles he speed- 
ily discovered that there was not the first sign of 
the ham anywhere. The cord with which it 
had been secured to the crotch of the tree still 
dangled there, fast enough; but it no longer held 
its precious burden. 

"It^s gone, sure enough,’^ Alec remarked, in a 
puzzled tone. "Take the bacon down, and well 
have to do with that. Lucky the thief left us 
even so much.” 

Freckles left him there unfastening the stout 
cord from the limb, for it had been tied in many 
knots. When Alec joined the mourning group 
by the camp fire he found that they seemed to be 
united in their belief that after all the tiger must 
have come prowling around while the camp was 
quiet, climbed the tree, and carried off his prize. 

"I see that iPs up to me to stand guard if we 
expect to save even our bacon,” remarked Budge, 
who was by degrees recovering his customary 
spirits. 


74 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


right then/^ declared Freckles^ cheer- 
fully; ^Vell give you a chance the first thing. 
But you’ll have to arm yourself with the water 
pail, because that’s your best hold. And 1 guess 
we ought to tie you fast to a tree, for something 
might walk away with you, and you’d never 
know it, you sleep so sound.” 

^^What interests you about that string, Alec?” 
asked Jack, seeing the other examining the stout 
cord he held. 

^This is a queer thing,” remarked Alec. ^^See 
this twine — it’s what was tied around the ham, 
and to the limb. Will some of you who may 
happen to know more about such things than I 
do, tell me since when have circus tigers come to 
carry a knife along with them?” 

‘^What’s that?” burst out Freckles, showing 
immediate interest. 

“A knife! Oh, my goodness, what does he 
mean?” cried Budge, staring at the cord as if 
it could speak, and answer him. 

^^Has it been cut, Alec?” asked sensible Jack, 
comprehending what his chum must have in his 
mind. 

^^Well, look at it for yourseK, and tell me,” 
replied Alec, promptly. ^‘Here is the way it was 
hanging above. And you can see that the ends 
are not only all even, but something sharp has 
been used to cut the cords.” 


THE MYSTERY THICKENS 


75 


^^What d^e know about that?’^ murmured 
Freckles, almost helplessly. 

“Then the cat didn’t come back?’’ said Budge. 

“That’s queer, just as you say, Alec,” Jack 
went on, with his brow wrinkled in a frown. 
“I sat where I could see the base of that tree all 
the time I was on duty, and I vow nobody could 
have swarmed up it without my knowing. Un- 
less I’m mistaken you did the same; and I know 
Freckles took my place, for I asked him to keep 
an eye out yonder, especially.” 

“That’s true; and yet in spite of all our stand- 
ing guard some fellow slicked up that tree, found 
out our ham, and made off with it,” Alec con- 
tinued. 

“Something mighty strange about that, fel- 
lows. If I were a believer in the supernatural 
now, I might think a ghost paid us a visit,” 
Freckles suggested, making a wry face, as he 
winked at Budge. 

“I looked all around the foot of the tree,” 
Alec went on, “and so far I don’t seem able to 
discover the least sign of tracks besides our own 
footprints.” 

“Then there ain’t any there, because you’re 
the boy to find ’em, if anybody can,” Freckles 
declared. 

“Say, whatever are we up against, fellows?” 
demanded Budge. “Ever since we started out 


76 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


seems to me we’ve been knocking on all sorts of 
mysterious happenings. There’s a Jonah aboard 
this craft, I reckon. Wonder who it c’n be!” 

^^Huh!” said Freckles, instantly, ^^you needn’t 
look at me that way. Budge. I didn’t fetch that 
ham along! It ain’t me that’s such a tempting 
morsel for that old tiger. Jonah! better keep 
quiet about that thing, if you don’t want to get 
shoved overboard.” 

Freckles went on cooking breakfast, assisted 
by Jack and Budge. As for Alec, he wandered 
over to the tree again, and seemed to be casting a 
questioning eye upward as though hoping to find 
some sort of solution to the puzzle there among 
the branches. But later on, when the call came 
that breakfast was ready, he confessed that he 
was no nearer an answer to the riddle than before. 

^^Guess we’d better keep the rest of the grub 
in the tent,” suggested Freckles, as they sat 
around enjoying the result of the cooking bee — 
crisp bacon; fried eggs, two apiece; toast that was 
buttered; coffee, and to top off, some marmalade, 
of which Freckles was abnormally fond. 

'^Well, now,” admitted Jack, 'That wouldn’t 
be such a bad thing to do after aU. If we are 
going to be plundered right and left by all the 
escaped convicts, and wild animals that have 
broken out of the penitentiary and circus, we 
ought to guard our supplies. You know it’s 


THE MYSTERY THICKENS 


77 


against our scheme for anybody to go back to 
town unless in case of sickness.’^ 

^^Yes/’ said Budge, “and that^s where I^m up 
against it, good and hard. Only for that silly 
promise now, what would there be to hinder me 
from taking the White Elephant, and finding out 
whether that gas is just whooping it up all this 
time or not? Or perhaps Alec would trust me 
with his motorcycle; if I^m going to learn to run 
one later on, I might just as well practice on his 
machine now.^^ 

“Talk to me about nerve,’^ said Freckles; 
“what d^je know about that? He said once I 
reminded him of the stone over the grave of old 
Peter Gazzam; if that’s so, then Budge here must 
be like Washington Monument. 1 see Alec let- 
ting you go smashing over these tough roads on 
his Comet. It would be the last of the wheel; 
and they’d never sweep enough of you together 
to fill that blessed tin pail.” 

“Oh! well, perhaps Jack may get his bully old 
wireless going before night. Then I’ll just call 
up Bud Perkaiser, and bribe him to run around 
to my house. But I tell you it’s a rough deal 
I’m getting, boys, a rough deal. It worries me 
all day, and I dream about it at night.” 

“Listen to him, would you?” Freckles laughed. 
“The only thing left for me to do to help the poor 
old fellow out is to pass the hat. I’ll drop a 


78 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


nickel in to start the ball rolling. Jack, what 
will you give?” 

‘^Oh! I guess I can see you, and go one better,” 
laughed Jack. 

^^And here’s a dime from me too,” said Alec, 
“I just can’t bear to see anybody in need with- 
out putting my hand in my pocket.” 

Freckles, to carry the joke out, made a low bow 
before Budge, presenting the hat. ^^Kindly ac- 
cept the benevolent offerings of your chums and 
fellow members of the Up-to-date Motorcycle 
Club, with best wishes for a speedy recovery,” 
he said. 

^Thanks, fellows,” remarked Budge, as he 
coolly grabbed the three coins, and transferred 
them to his pocket. ^^Every little movement 
has a meaning of its own; afid in times of great 
distress like this even a quarter will go toward 
quenching a poor fellow’s grief. And let me say 
I don’t care how often you repeat the dose.” 
Freckles pretended to fall back in a nerveless 
heap at such a sublime exhibition of innocence, 
or ^^cheek” as he termed it. 

^^Hark! I thought I heard a dog baying just 
then!” declared Jack, half startingupfromhisseat. 

^There’s a farmer or two back on the other 
side of the lake,” remarked Alec, ''and one of his 
dogs might be loose in the woods, chasing rab- 
bits, or a fox.” 


THE MYSTERY THICKENS 


79 


‘Tt seemed to come from back along the road 
somewhere. There it is again; and now I think 
there^s a pair of them.^’ 

As he spoke Jack and Alec exchanged glances, 
as though the same idea might have flashed into 
the mind of each. 

^^Do they use dogs to chase escaped convicts?^^ 
asked Jack. 

^T’m sure I donT know,’^ replied the other; 
“but likely as not they do. I understand it^s the 
practice in some States, and they find it works 
well. But wefll soon know, boys, because the 
sounds are coming closer all the while. Honest 
now, IVe a hunch the beasts may be following 
our trail in the old White Elephant.” 

“Huh; guess that cranky car would leave a 
scent of gasolene that'd last for a week of Sun- 
days!” grunted Freckles. 

“But I donT believe any self-respecting hound 
would ever follow such a trail,” Alec went on; 
“but no matter, weTe going to hear all about it 
soon, for there they come around that bend 
yonder — three men in uniforms, and a couple of 
hounds held in leash. TheyTe not going to leave 
a stone unturned but what theyT find Hans and 
his pal, and drag ^em back to their cells.” 


80 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


CHAPTER VIII 

WHEN THE WARDENS CAME 

^^Listen, fellows/^ said Alec, as they stood there 
watching the advancing trio of men in uniform. 
^ We’d better decide just what we want to say 
when they ask us questions.” 

About the convicts, you mean?” remarked 
Jack, looking a bit troubled; for he had been in- 
dulging in certain hopes of being able to run 
across Hans Barker, and convincing the man 
that he ought to tell what he had done with the 
paper he had stolen, the loss of which was slowly 
sapping the mind of Mr. Kinkaid. 

^^Yes, they will ask us if we have seen either 
of them, and we ought to give a straight answer,” 
Alec went on. 

^Tirst, do you believe that the one who stole 
our ham could have been the same fellow who 
tried to make way with your motorcycle?” 
Freckles demanded. 

^That’s what I call a leading question,” re- 
marked Alec; ^^and the whole business revolves 
around it. If this was really a human, and not 


WHEN THE WARDENS CAME 81 


an animal, that climbed that tree and stole our 
pork, then I don’t believe it was the same con- 
vict.” 

^^And in that case. Jack wouldn’t like to set 
the wardens on the track of Hans in a hurry; is 
that what you’re driving at, Alec?” pursued the 
tall boy, earnestly. 

'^You hit the nail on the head every time, 
Freckles. And my idea is that we just keep mum 
about the ham business. Let’s tell about what 
happened on the road the other night. They 
can go back and take up the trail of the other 
poor scamp, commencing at the mud hole where 
he fell from my wheel.” 

^^Correct, Alec,” said Freckles, speaking in a 
low tone, for the men were now coming close. 

^ ^Understand, Budge, not a word about the ham. 
Tell ’em of your fierce fight with the tiger if you 
want; show ’em the wonderful dent in the water- 
pail; and we’ll sure back you up when you take 
out those three yellow hairs you’re keeping in 
your notebook, to prove to the boys in Staun- 
ton the story of how you whipped the tiger. 
But mum’s the word, about hams! Hold up 
your hand and swear.” 

So Budge, taking it in all seriousness, raised 
his right hand, and mumbled a few words as he 
may have seen witnesses do in the local court. 

A minute later and the three wardens came 


32 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


up, one of them holding the pair of eager hounds. 
The men were all determined looking fellows. 
They showed no weapons, but that was no sign 
they were not armed; because hunting desperate 
convicts was no child’s play. 

^^How d’ye, boys?” said the one who seemed to 
be a leader, as he nodded his head to the camp- 
ers. ^^Having a little outing, eh? Lots of fun 
too; been there myself more’n a few times. Al- 
ways did enjoy it. By the way, have you heard 
about what happened over at the pen the other 
day?” 

Alec took it upon himself to answer this. His 
chums expected it of him in the first place; and 
besides, he was naturally qualified to assume 
charge of matters. 

'^You mean about the escape of several con- 
victs, don’t you?” he remarked. ^Well, I left 
town after my friends did, and happened to get 
a paper that had an account of the breakaway 
in it. So you see we know all about the affair.” 

^Tt might surprise you to hear that they took 
a streak over this way,” went on the head 
warden ; ' ^but that needn’t worry you any. With 
these smart hounds we expect to corral them be- 
fore a great while. I didn’t know though but 
what you might happen to get a squint of a pair 
of striped trousers in the bush somewhere, and 
put up a smoke, so we could come back and pick 
up the scent.” 


WHEN THE WARDENS CAME 83 


''Oh! that's easy, sir," returned Alec. "See 
that motorcycle over there?" 

"Why, yes, now that you mention it; but 
what has that to do with the escaped convicts?" 
demanded the warden, curiously observing the 
boy. 

"Nothing now; but night before last it had a 
lot to do with one of them," Alec replied, smil- 
ing. "The fact is, sir, a fellow who looked like 
a zebra, or a Royal Bengal tiger, snatched that 
wheel, and made off with it down the road. We 
chased after him in the dark. He wabbled, be- 
cause he couldn't see which way he was going, 
and the machine actually ran away with him." 

"Yes; please go on; what happened?" asked 
the warden, as he gave his men a swift glance 
as if to say: "There, what did I tell you about 
picking up a clue from these campers? You'll 
believe me after this, perhaps." 

"Why, only one thing could happen; he took 
a header over the side of the road," Alec con- 
tinued, gravely. 

"I hope he didn't break his miserable neck; 
because I'd rather fetch back a live convict than 
a dead one," observed the warden. 

"Well, you can, if you find him; because he had 
the good luck to land in the mud, and that saved 
him from broken bones. He disappeared, and 
we didn't take the trouble to hunt after him; 


84 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


because, you see, sir, we hadn^t lost any con- 
vict,” and as he said this Alec smiled blandly 
in the other^s face. 

course not, young feller,” the warden 
hastened to remark; ^^you did quite right too. 
Dangerous work even for men, let alone a parcel 
of boys. Fooling with a buzz saw gets lots of 
people into trouble, I tell you.” 

^That’s just what we thought,” put in 
Freckles, anxious to have his say. 

^^Now, I hope you don’t object to telling us 
where this happened, boys,” went on the warden, 
in what he intended to be a wheedling tone. 

^ ^Because you can see that we’re officers of the 
law in the discharge of our sworn duty. These 
rascals are desperate men, and the longer they 
remain at large the worse for the communit3^” 

^Dh! no, not at all, sir,” said Alec. ^Tn fact, 
our little experience shows us that these fellows 
are dangerous neighbors. There’s no reason 
why we oughtn’t to be glad to assist officers in 
the discharge of their duty.” 

^^Good for you, young fellow. Now, where 
was this place that one of our striped-suit birds 
landed in the mud?” asked the warden, eagerly. 

‘^Have you come far along the trail — that is, 
did you strike in at the crossroads?” asked Alec. 

^ ^Because this happened, while we were camped 
a mile and more beyond the other lake.” 


WHEN THE WARDENS CAME 


85 ’ 


^^Yes, I understand. Go on/^ said the warden. 
^ There was a flimsy little bridge over a stream, 
which is an outlet to the two lakes. It lies in a 
hollow, with a long rise on either side.^^ 

^^Good. I remember it well,^’ the other de- 
clared, ^ We stopped to rest there late, and then 
came on to the lower lake to spend the night, 
hoping to strike a scent somewhere around there. 
It was at that bridge then, it happened?^ ^ 

Alec went on; you examine the 
bank just on the other side youfll see where the 
motorcycle went over. Follow the marks, and 
you’ll And where he landed on all fours in the 
mud. That man wore a convict suit, sir. 
There must be a trail from that point, if your 
dogs have good enough noses to follow a scent. 

see that you know something about dogs, 
and tracking, my lad?’’ ventured the warden, 
eyeing Alec keenly. 

^^A little. I spent a whole year- on a cattle 
ranch out West, sir. But if you and your men 
passed last night in the open, perhaps you 
wouldn’t object to a cup of Java right now? We 
can make it in a jiffy.'^ 

At that the other two allowed broad smiles to 
wreathe their faces. Alec had noticed them look- 
ing around, and snifling the air as though some- 
thing tickled their sense of smell; and he could 
readily guess w^hat that meant. 


86 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


^^Thank you, boys, this is right kind of you,^^ 
remarked the warden, as he proceeded to drop 
down without further ceremony, as though he 
had hoped for an invitation of the sort; ^^and as 
there ain^t no great hurry well just take you at 
your word, eh, men?^^ 

'^Suits us to a was the reply from one of 
the others. 

Freckles and Budge proceeded to do the 
honors; while Alec and Jack sat there, now and 
then answering some question which occurred 
to the head officer. 

^^We cffi give you some eggs and bacon, if you'd 
like to have a mess," remarked Budge, presently; 

did have a lovely ham, you know" — at 
that instant he received a violent kick on the 
shin from Freckles, and hastened to add — ^ffiut 
it's all gone now," which was true enough, though 
not in the same sense Budge meant them to take 
his words. 

But the three wardens declared that they had 
had plenty to eat, and only craved the coffee; 
since cold water alone was something they were 
not accustomed to. 

Alec caught the eye of Jack, who found a 
chance to bend his head closer so he could hear 
the whisper of his chum. 

'Twig the dogs, will you?" said Alec. 'They 
keep sniffing in the direction of that tree yonder. 


WHEN THE WARDENS CAME 87 


and pulling at their ropes to beat the band. 
Wonder now if they get a scent of the thief who 
stole our ham. Even if he didn^t leave a trail 
that our eyes could find, the trained noses of the 
dogs would light on it.’’ 

^^But none of them seem to notice what the 
dogs are doing,” answered Jack. 

^^And I hope they’ll hurry off after we’ve filled 
them full up with coffee. I’d hate like fun to 
have them mixing in with our business.” 

^That’s a fact,” Jack went on; ^ffor I’d just 
begun to hope I might find a chance to corner 
my father’s former employee, and have it out 
with him.” 

^”Sh! that’ll do now!” said Alec, who imagined 
the head warden was watching, as if beginning 
to wonder what these two boys might be whisper- 
ing about. 

Alec to ward off any suspicion immediately 
spoke up, saying: 

“Was there any reward offered on account of 
these men, sir?” 

The warden smiled as though his faint suspi- 
cions might have been set at rest by this natural 
query. 

“Why, no, not yet, bub,” he replied; “but if 
they ain’t hooked up soon I reckon there’ll be a 
smart sum offered to any one who gives infor- 
mation leading to their taking again. You see. 


88 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


we don’t often have our men get loose; and it’s 
a bad thing for the institution; especially if they 
get clear away. But with these dogs it’s going 
to be a hard game for Hans and Dan.” 

^^Those were their names, just as the account 
I read said,” Alec remarked. ^^How do you like 
the coffee, sir?” 

^ ^Elegant. Never tasted finer. It does your 
cook credit,” smiled the warden, as he drained 
his cup, the third, by the way. 

^^Hope they’ll clear out now,” whispered Jack 
nervously observing the almost frantic actions of 
the hounds as they tugged at their leashes. 

The three men slowly arose to their feet. 

^^What ails the dawgs?” said the keeper who 
controlled the animals. ^^They act jest like 
they’re wild.” 

^^Must be some animal over yonder in the 
brush; the fool pups don’t know enough to behave 
when they’re huntin’ men,” grumbled the other 
underwarden. ^^Give ’em a jerk that’ll pull 
their blooming heads half off, and come along, 
French. Thankee for the coffee, boys.” 

^^May see you later!” called back the leader, 
waving his hand as he strode off over the back 
trail, followed by his underkeepers, and the ex- 
cited hounds. 

The boys succeeded in keeping straight faces 
so long as the wardens were in sight; but no 


WHEN THE WARDENS CAME 89 


sooner had they turned the bend, and the trees 
effectually screened them, than Alec and his com- 
rades indulged in a fit of quiet laughter. 

^^What d^ye know about that?’’ said Freckles, 
grinning broadly. 

^^The fool dogs knew a heap more than their 
masters gave them credit for,” remarked Alec, 
as he glanced toward the tree that had been the 
object of the hounds’ eager desire. 

Would they act that way if it was that tiger 
climbed up, and took our ham?” was the sur- 
prisingly smart query Budge sprang on them. 

^^That’s a fact; and it helps to prove what 
Alec said, that it was a two-legged thief who 
hooked our pork,” Jack declared. 

^^Well, now that that little affair is all over, 
what next?” Freckles asked. 

^^Oh! I hope Jack will take a notion to start 
work again on that lovely wireless rig of his,” 
Budge sighed. ^T’m awful anxious to see if he 
can make it work. I know it takes brains, and 
a good head, to do things like that; and if it was 
up to me I’d just be everlastingly slow getting it 
made.” 

'There are times when you do tell the truth. 
Budge, I admit,” said Freckles, in a way that 
made the other stare at him, and shake his head 
as though he did not just grasp the full meaning 
of the words. 


90 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


An hour later Jack was busily engaged up on 
the hillside, with two willing helpers ready to do 
anything within their power. And every now 
and then Budge might have been seen seated on 
the ground with paper and notebook, figuring 
out some intricate problem. He was adding ten 
more hours to the sum total of the time he feared 
those terrible gas burners had been going full 
blast! 


THINGS KEEP GOING 


91 


CHAPTER IX 

THINGS KEEP GOING 

Alec was something of a fisherman. He, as 
well as Budge, had made sure to bring some 
tackle along, with the idea that a few fresh bass 
might prove a welcome addition to their limited 
larder. 

“Sure we^U need all we can get,’’ Freckles had 
said, when at noon Alec and the fat boy proposed 
trying for a mess of the gamy denizens of Lake 
Harmony. “The way things are slipping away 
from us, I reckon we won’t just have anything 
left soon.” 

“What do you mean. Freckles?” demanded 
Jack. “Do you miss anything else besides the 
ham?” 

“Well, that’s what,” grumbled the other. 
“We had two loaves of bread this morning, and 
we cut into oiie. You just eat up the last of 
that loaf now. Where’s the other; tell me that, 
will you?” 

“\^ere did you see it last?” demanded Alec. 

“Oh! I own up,” Freckles grinning said, 
“I was sorter careless, and I reckon 1 did leave 


92 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


it outside thj old tent; but somebody was here 
every blessed minute of the time. Alec, did you 
run across it; and are you hiding that loaf just 
to give me a lesson?” 

haven’t even seen it,” replied the other. 
^^Can you show us just where you left it, 
Freckles?” 

^^Right there on that stone,” came the reply. 
^The two were fastened together, and when I 
broke ’em apart to slice one, I forgot the other. 
It’s gone, all right. I’ve hunted high and low, 
and can’t find a sign of it.” 

just bet some sneaking critter came into 
camp when Alec’s back was turned, and bounced 
that loaf,” Budge suggested, in an awed tone. 
^^No use talking, fellows, things are happening 
the funniest ever. Perhaps our blankets will be 
hooked next, while we’re asleep under ’em.” 

^^Huh! if I was dead sure it was a real genuine 
live animal I wouldn’t have that chill walkin’ 
up and down my spinal column,” asserted 
Freckles, shaking his head mysteriously, and 
putting on a most solemn air. 

“He means ghosts,” commented Budge, who 
was practical, even if not always bright-witted; 
“Freckles is forever thinkin’ of them kind of 
things. Once he showed me a silly old rabbit’s 
foot, that he said came from a bunny killed in a 
graveyard in the full of the moon. You know. 


TfflNGS KEEP GOING 


93 


fellows, he used ;to live down South when he was 
smaller; and he got all such crazy notions from 
the coons. They believe in ghosts, just like the 
Irish do in banshees, my dad says.” 

^Then tell me what sort of an animal did take 
that big loaf of bread without a single one of us 
getting our peepers on the same?” demanded 
Freckles, not at all abashed by what his chum 
had just said. 

^'Oh! that wouldn^t be so very hard,” laughed 
Alec. 'TVe seen animal thieves that could do 
smarter things than that. Why, a ’coon could 
slip up, and steal the contents of a kettle, and 
you wouldn’t be any the wiser if you sat five 
feet away; unless he happened to upset the tin 
cover. Well, it looks like our last loaf of home- 
made bread was gone; and I suppose we’ll just 
have to make the best of a bad bargain.” 

^^But I never could get on without bread!” 
declared Budge. “That means half of living to 
me. I eat it every meal, you know. No bread; 
and five awful days still to go! I just see my- 
self turning into a skinny side-show freak, like — ” 

“Go slow,” burst out Freckles; “I can stand 
for a heap, but look out for the last straw on the 
camel’s back.” 

Budge pretended to elevate his eyebrows in 
astonishment. 

“Did you ever see the like, fellows?” he re- 


94 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


marked; ^Treckles is that touchy nowadays, you 
can^t mention any sort of an animal but he wants 
to take it to himself. Leave, it to you if I said 
a word about him. What^s he got to be grouchy 
about, anyway? Now, if it was me, there^d be 
some reason, with my precious cash being inch 
by inch yanked out of my pocket by those three 
terrible gas burners, that keep sizzling away, 
day in and day out, making the plagued old 
meter click and click 

^^As to bread, remarked Alec, composedly, 
could go without it for weeks, and never com- 
plain, if only Freckles might be induced to give 
us an occasional mess of those bunkum flapjacks 
he can make so splendidly.” 

Freckles immediately beamed with pleasure; 
even Budge sat up and took notice, forgetting 
his woes for the time being. 

‘Tancakes — ^well, I don’t object to such 
fixings!” he declared, rubbing his hands to- 
gether. 'Terhaps he’ll accommodate us tomor- 
row morning for breakfast.” 

'T will on one condition,” said Freckles, severe- 
ly; ^'which is, that Budge takes a vow right here 
never, never again to call them by that silly 
name, pancakes. Why, Alec here will tell you 
that it belongs to the nursery. In camp they’d 
hoot you uphill and down if you just dared to 
say that. Whenever you want to speak of the 


THINGS KEEP GOING 


95 


staff of outdoor life call ^em griddle cakes; or 
better than all, flapjacks! Ain^t I right, Alec?^^ 

‘^Correct,” came the reply, from the one who 
had had experience. 

So Budge put up his right hand, and took the 
oath after Freckles, to forget his childhood train- 
ing, and when among men, act like a man. 

After lunch they sat around for awhile. Jack 
wishing to rest a bit before once more tackling 
the job of bringing his wireless station to a point 
where he anticipated getting results from the air. 

Freckles and Alec were talking over some 
matters by themselves. From the way in which 
they pointed toward the tree which seemed to 
hold the record for mysteries, it might be as- 
sumed that Alec was trying to pick up a few 
points, and was squeezing his angular chum in 
the hope of striking ^^pay dirt,” as he put it. 

And while they sat there. Freckles suddenly 
cocked up his ear, while a look of supreme agony 
began to steal over his expressive face. 

“What ails you; got a pain?” demanded Alec, 
really alarmed for the moment. 

“I*m going to have one right soon, I tell you,” 
advised the other; “listen, don’t you hear that 
twanging sound? Budge has remembered that 
he fetched his terrible banjo along. He’s going 
to tune up, and give us a few of his choice war- 
blings ! Have you forgot? Don’t you know that 


96 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


when Budge starts singing every chicken within 
a block runs for the coop, and gets on the roost? 
They think a whole army of foxes has begun to 
bark. I once knew an Italian organ grinder to 
shut up shop, and take to the woods like mad 
when he heard what Budge could do. There he 
goes ! Oh ! my stars ! Alec, won’t you please get 
me some cotton out of the medicine chest? I’d 
like to stuff it in my ears.” 

Every word of this was undoubtedly heard by 
Budge, reclining close by; but it failed to move 
him in the slightest degree. It was an old story 
with him; and somehow he had gotten it into his 
head that the truth of the matter was. Freckles 
secretly envied him the possession of his fine 
tenor voice, and was only saying these mean 
things out of pure envy. 

So Budge, after twanging on his banjo for a 
little, and making it give forth the strangest dis- 
cords ever heard, started in to do a little warbling, 
as he was pleased to call it. 

Well, no doubt there had been known much 
better singers in Staunton town than Budge; 
but after all there might also be worse. His 
voice was inclined to be shrill and squeaky; but 
he managed to make some sort of melody. Alec 
of course knew that much of Freckles’ misery, 
while the concert was in progress, was put on. 
He even joined Jack in applauding when the 


THINGS KEEP GOING 


97 


sweet singer wound up with Annie Laurie; much 
to the consternation of the lanky one. 

^Tor goodness sake, hold on, Alec!^^ whispered 
Freckles. ''If you clap too much he might go 
back over the whole blooming business again. 
That would mean the quiet and cool of the bot- 
tom of the lake for me. Oh! if only I dared I’d 
like to puncture the head of that fine banjo for 
Budge. But he’d never forgive me.” 

"Then don’t do it,” said Alec. "Budge is a 
mighty good-natured fellow; but he’d never 
stand for that a minute. I think he’d climb you, 
all right. But there’s Jack ready to start out 
again to work at his wireless business; and Budge 
is tagging at his heels, ready to do all he can to 
hurry things along.” 

But it was fated that the new station could 
not be completed that day. Budge had a gloomy 
face on him as he came in just before dusk. Even 
the delicious odor of frying fish, the result of 
Alec’s labor on the lake that afternoon, failed 
to cheer him up. 

"If the old White Elephant was only fixed,” 
he said, disconsolately, as he sat down to supper 
later, "I’d just be tempted to take chances along 
the road back to Staunton. Never had any- 
thing worry me like this, give you my word, 
feUows.” 

"Well, it’s out of the running, and Jack don’t 


98 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


mean to repair the same till he^s got his wireless 
in operation; and then you won^t need to go,” 
remarked Freckles. 

^'And if Alec would only let me use his motor- 
cycle/^ Budge went on. ^'Oh! why didn’t I learn 
to ride one before when he wanted me to try? 
I was a fool, that’s what.” 

^^Hear! hear!” said Freckles softly. 

“For two cents,” Budge continued, gritting 
his teeth savagely, for him, “if I had a chance, 
I’d sneak his key to that padlock, and make the 
try, standing all the penalty we agreed on. And 
I don’t see why I couldn’t do the run in a couple 
of hours. But it’s too late now, and I’ve just got 
to pass another wakeful night.” 

Freckles threw up his hands at that. 

“Hear him, fellows, would you?” he cried. 
“Why, he never even turns over from the time 
he lies down up to when I yell breakfast; and 
then he comes out yawning and stretching to 
beat the band. But just let him try that run 
on the Comet. Even if he didn’t take a header, 
and knock off a few pounds of fat, I reckon that 
bully old striped jungle fowl would be laying for 
him somewhere along the road.” 

“Oh! the tiger!” exclaimed Budge; “I forgot 
all about him.” 

And after that he relapsed into silence; while 
he kept his jaws busy disposing of the supper 
Freckles had prepared. 


THINGS KEEP GOING 


99 


They were almost through eating, when Alec 
was seen to quietly reach over and lay hold of 
the convenient gun. 

“Now,’’ he said, quietly, “don’t get excited, 
fellows, but there’s something, or some person, 
creeping up behind those bushes yonder. And 
-I mean to find out just what is moving them so. 
Watch what happens!” 


100 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


CHAPTER X 

THE COMING OF GID 

These words on the part of cool Alec naturally 
startled the balance of the campers. Their in- 
difference vanished like magic. Even Budge 
came up erect, as though electrified, his big blue 
eyes stretched to their fullest capacity; and his 
mouth opening, as it always did when Budge 
chanced to be shocked. 

Alec slowly swung the shotgun around until 
he was covering the spot where he had seen a 
suspicious movement of the bushes. 

^^We know you are there, my friend; so you’d 
better show yourself before I shoot!” he called 
out, in a clear tone of voice. 

There “was a brief silence. Alec dropped his 
cheek alongside the stock of his pet Marlin 
double-barrel. The action must appear highly 
significant, if the bushes hid a human being. 
Should the intruder prove to be an animal, of 
course there could be no result. 

^^Oh! it’s coming!” gasped Budge. 

Freckles had on the spur of the moment 


THE COMING OF GID 


101 


possessed himself of a billet of wood that was 
meant for the fire; and his fingers tightened 
around this as he saw by a shaking movement 
of the bushes that something was about to 
happen. 

^^Don^t shoot, Alec!’’ said a husky voice. 

Above the bushes appeared a tousled human 
head of hair. Under this was a grinning face, 
which even Budge immediately recognized. 

^ ^Gracious! if it ain’t Gid Staples!” he ejacu- 
lated. 

^^Come into camp, Gid!” called out Alec, as 
he lowered his threatening gun. 

The boy in the bushes did so; and they noticed 
that as he advanced he seemed to sometimes 
limp badly, while an expression of pain came 
upon his face. 

This big fellow was Gid Staples, long recog- 
nized as the town bully. In school he had, come 
in contact with Alec and his friends; but Gid be- 
longed to a lower circle than the fellows of the 
motorcycle club; so they seldom had anything 
to do with him; save that he often played on the 
other side when games were in progress, being 
a clever athlete after a way. 

The others remembered, of course, what Alec 
had said about overtaking Gid while on his way 
to join them. And his presence around Lake 
Harmony might be explained by the fact that 


102 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


he was first cousin to Hans, the escaped convict. 
That was a subject, however^ about which it 
would hardly be safe to say anything just now. 

When the other had dropped down near the 
cheery fire, he sniffed the air very much after 
the same manner in which those deputy wardens 
had done. 

^^Any coffee left in the pot, Freckles?^^ asked 
Alec. 

Upon investigation it was found that there was 
quite considerable. 

^^Have a cup, Gid?^’ said Alec, with the hos- 
pitality that campers usually show, even toward 
their worst enemy. 

^^Sure,’’ replied the other, eagerly, ^^ainT 
had a drink but water the hull day. An^ if yuh 
got any grub tuh spare, I cud get away with 
some.” 

It happened that there was a surplus from the 
supper; for Freckles always cooked bountifully, 
never knowing the limit of their appetites. 

Soon Gid was gulping down the coffee, and 
partaking of the food as ravenously as though 
he were famished. 

^Xook out for bones in that fish, Gid,” 
Freckles admonished, really afraid lest the gorger 
choke to death then and there. 

^^Never bother me Tall,” grinned Gid, keeping 
his jaws in rapid action. 


THE COMING OF GID 


103 


When he had cleaned up the entire visible 
supply, Alec, who had been watching him do the 
''disappearing act,'’ as Freckles called it, with 
more or less admiration, thought it time to ask 
for some information. 

"I remember passing you on the road just be- 
fore dark, day before yesterday, Gid," he re- 
marked, as a beginner. 

"Yep, that was me, all right," admitted Gid, 
starting to light a strong-smelling pipe with a 
brand from the fire; and looking pretty well con- 
tented after his feed. 

"But you were riding then?" Alec continued. 

"Tryin' tuh ride, yuh mean, Alec," grinned 
the other, pufiing away. "Thuh measly ole 
wheel throwed me just arter yuh parsed. I be'n 
limping along an' gruntin' ever since." 

He said this brazenly, just as though he ex- 
pected the others to believe him; but Gid's repu- 
tation for truth in Staunton had never been re- 
markable; indeed, there were those who would 
refuse to believe him under oath. 

Two whole days had elapsed since Alec passed 
him; and yet he was trying to influence them to 
believe that all this time he had only made a few 
miles progress! It was more than a smart, 
wide-awake lad like Alec could swallow. 

Besides, he had an idea that this limping busi- 
ness on the part of Gid might be more or less of 
a sham. 


104 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


^'Was it your leg that was hurt?^^ Alec asked. 

‘^Yep, the same one I had broke a year ago; 
but it ain^t so bad as that now/’ Gid hastened 
to say; “fact is, fellers, it don’t show the way 
she feels. Every time I put me weight on her 
she squeals right smart. But I ain’t one o’ the 
give-up kinder feller, as yuh knows. I started 
out tuh git over tuh Mt. Holyoke, whar I gotter 
job with a farmer tuh help take keer o’ his keows; 
an’ I sure means tuh make the riffle, er bust!” 

Yes, they had had some experience with this 
stubborn trait on the part of Gid, during the ball 
games of the past. He never gave up unless 
forced into the last ditch; and then only grum- 
blingly. If that set disposition could only have 
been harnessed with a few other good qualities 
it would have made Gid a pretty decent chap, 
and helped him along the road to success in life. 

“Now, Freckles here is the son of a doctor,” 
observed Alec, craftily, “and he’s no slouch of a 
surgeon himself. We always carry some medi- 
cine and liniment along with us. If you cared 
to let him look at your lame leg, perhaps he 
might ease that pain, Gid.” 

But Gid immediately took the alarm. 

“Oh! never mind about that,” he hastened to 
say. “Jest as I says, it don’t show much ’cept 
a little black an’ blue mark; but yuh see, it’s on 
the same place that bone was broke; and gee! 
how she does hurt sometimes.” 


THE COMING OF GID 


105 


Alec said no more. He had accomplished his 
purpose, which was to satisfy himself that this 
was a story invented by Gid simply to excuse his 
hanging about the vicinity so long. 

''Left your wheel, did you?^^ asked Jack. 

Answered the other, as he puffed contentedly 
away at his corncob pipe: 

"Well, after that last trick the old wreck 
played me I didn’t have much use for the same, 
thoiigh I trundled her along. Made just a couple 
o’ miles yesterday. Done better today, though. 
Had tuh stop an’ rest every little while. Seen 
this fire, and thought it might be some hoboes 
in camp. That’s why I started tuh creep up 
dost. Ain’t safe tuh trust all them tramps, yuh 
know. Some of ’em’s a hard lot.” 

Alec kept a straight face, though it was rather 
difficult, after hearing Gid, accounted the tough- 
est boy in Staunton, talk in this way. Why, 
according to what most people believed of him, 
young Staples ought to find himself in congenial 
company with almost any gang of "Wandering 
Willies.” 

It looked as though they would have to put 
up with Gid for one night; since none of the boys 
would have the heart to send him on his limping 
way before morning. 

"If you don’t mind sleeping by the fire, Gid, 
you can stay here with us tonight and make a 


106 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


fresh start in the morning, ’ ^ Alec remarked, after 
a while. 

^^AlU right. 111 take yuh at that. Reckon I 
won’t bother yuh none. A little coffee in the 
morninll do a heap about gettin’ me started fair. 
It’s sure white in yuh tuh treat me this way, 
fellers.” 

Freckles and Budge managed to exchange 
glances. They did not say a word; but if those 
looks were rightly interpreted they meant that 
if Gid were going to stay in camp all night, they 
would have need of keeping up a good watch. 
Because in Staunton he had something of a rep- 
utation for being light-fingered. 

Alec wanted time to study the fellow. He 
felt that Gid was not hanging around without 
a positive object. And for Jack’s sake Alec 
would be glad of a chance to learn just what 
brought the other up to Harmony Lake. Per- 
haps through Gid they might yet find an oppor- 
tunity to come upon the hiding Hans; and Jack 
would thus be able to VTing a confession from 
the fugitive convict as to where he had hidden 
the paper that meant everything to the Kinkaid 
family, father, mother and son. 

So, while Jack, Freckles andjeven Budge en-^ 
gaged Gid in conversation, Alec lay back in the 
shadow, and watched the play of emotions on 
the crafty countenance of their unwelcome guest. 


THE COMING OF GID 


107 


He had learned lots of things during that year 
in the West; it had been a valuable experience to 
Alec Travers, which was apt to profit him many 
times over. 

And as he sat there, keeping an eye on the 
rough town boy, Alec was thrilled to catch Gid 
several times casting a quick glance toward the 
very tree beyond the fire, which had so recently 
engaged their united attention. 

It could be no accident that caused the fellow 
to look upward, either; but each time Alec felt 
positive that he could catch an eager glow on his 
face. He even allowed himself to survey the 
branches of the tree; but discovered nothing 
there to reward his scrutiny. 

AU the same Alec began to wonder if, after all, 
they had not made a mistake when they sus- 
pected the escaped convict of having stolen their 
food. Might it not have been Gid himself who, 
for some reason that was unknown to them just 
now, had done that job? 

When Alec had seen the other actually send 
that peculiar glance toward the tree no less than 
four times, always with a shade of disappoint- 
ment following each look, he could no Jonger 
doubt but that it appeared very much that way. 

At any rate, it gave Alec a pretty puzzle to 
solve while he kept watch that night. 


108 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


CHAPTER XI 

THE FAITHFUL SENTRY 

'^Well, I say you were lucky one way, Gid/^ 
Budge was remarking, when Alec moved up a 
little closer again. 

like tuh know how,’’ replied the other, 
with a shrug of his broad shoulders; '^seems 
tuh me I ain’t run up ag’in anything but hard 
luck ever sense I started out tuh go over the hills 
tuh Holyoke. Say how. Budge.” 

^^Why, that you ain’t gone to make a meal for 
the Royal Bengal tiger that’s been roaming all 
over the country ever since that freight train 
smash-up,” went on the fat boy, pleased to find 
that there was a subject he could talk about, if 
he did have to keep his lips closed in connection 
with the visit from the wardens, and the escape 
of the convicts. 

^What’s that you’re giving me, Budge? A 
tiger up around here, yuh say? Wow! an’ me 
that skeered o’ dogs an’ sech! Looky here, 
ain’t yuh joshin’ me now?” 

That caused Alec to remember that, strange 


THE FAITHFUL SENTRY 


109 


to say, the town bully, who never was known to 
flinch when up against big odds, and could whip 
almost any fellow in all Staunton, did have a 
singular antipathy to dogs. He had been known 
to shrink when a puppy suddenly ran out, bark- 
ing viciously. There was some inherited weak- 
ness in his nature that he could not control. 

^'No he ainT, Gid,” Freckles took occasion to 
say, joining in the conversation. ^^Budge ought 
to know. He had an adventure with the tiger. 
Show him what you knocked from the old striped 
critter’s head. Budge. And with our nice new 
tin waterpail at that, mind you, Gid.” 

Thereupon the proud Budge got out his note- 
book, and carefully allowed the wondering Gid 
an opportunity to gaze upon the three yellow 
hairs he cherished as mementoes, or trophies 
of his amazing encounter. 

‘^Themcomefroma tigercat?” demanded Gid, 
looking uneasy. 

'^Sure they did. Tell him about how you run 
on the critter lying in wait to get a good meal; 
and what happened. Budge,” Freckles continued. 

Accordingly the fat boy did so, even exhibit- 
ing the positive evidence as to the truth of his 
amazing tale in the shape of the dent that still 
marred the edge of the bottom of the tin bucket. 

''All right,” Gid said, as he took in a deep 
breath; "I’ll know what tuh do case I meet up 


no MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


with Old Stripes. Reckon he ain^t much on the 
scrap after all, if he^d run just ’cause Budge 
yipped.” 

^^Huh! that shows you never happened to hear 
Budge yip” grunted Freckles. ^Tf you did 
you wouldn’t wonder much that even a tiger 
might turn tail. I keep telling Budge he ought 
to grow up to be an auctioneer; or else the barker 
at a Coney Island freak show. But that tiger 
is sure old, just as you say, Gid. He ain’t got 
many teeth; but all the same I’d hate to have 
him grab me.” 

^T’raps I better turn back, though I hate tuh 
the wust sort,” Gid remarked. “See how I feel 
in the momin’. With this game leg I ain’t much 
use tuh a farmer; but it does sure gall me tuh 
give up.” 

But somehow Alec was of the opinion that, 
despite these words, Gid meant to hover around 
that vicinity still longer. If he had a mission 
to perform his natural obstinacy was apt to urge 
him on to carry it out. 

Alec had that afternoon done something which 
puzzled his comrades. He had simply mentioned 
the fact when at supper, and left them to guess 
his meaning. Taking the balance of the strip 
of bacon he had climbed up into the tree again, 
and deliberately fastened the same to the very 
same crotch where the ham had hung, up to the 
time of its mysterious disappearance! 


THE FAITHFUL SENTRY 


111 


The boys may have thought this was a queer 
piece of business; but they had considerable con- 
fidence in their leader. And every one of them 
knew that in good time Alec might be depended 
on to explain just what he expected to prove by 
thus apparently flying in the face of Providence. 

When the time came around for their think- 
ing of retiring, Freckles, who had received a hint 
from Alec, started a second fire. This was on 
the other side of the tree from the one that had 
been kept burning all the time since their ar- 
rival. 

More than ever did Alec want plenty of light, 
since the;^ were now entertaining an unwelcome 
guest, in whose honesty no one dared put any- 
thing like trust. Why, given half a chance, and 
Gid might even try to run off with the motor- 
cycle; and as this thought flashed into Alecks 
mind he was more than a little pleased to remem- 
ber that it was chained fast to another tree near 
by. Once was quite enough with Alec. When 
such prowlers as tigers, escaped convicts, and 
Gid Staples were abroad, it seemed the part of 
wisdom to keep a tight grip on everything worth 
carrying off. 

If Gid thought this action queer, he at least 
made no remark. Perhaps he understood the 
cloud under which he rested at Staunton, and 
realized that these boys meant to keep an eye 


112 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


on their property while he honored them with 
his presence. 

^‘We make it a practice of keeping watch every 
night when in camp, Gid,’’ Alec remarked, as the 
other, after picking out a place where he meant 
to lie down, looked with more or less wonder at 
Jack handling the gun. 

^^Oh! I see!’^ Gid replied, in the drawling tone 
that belied his customary active nature. ^^Reck- 
ons yuh ^spect that ole cat tuh walk in, an^ clean 
yuh outen grub, hey?” 

^Well, something's been getting away with 
things, and we want to protect our duffel,” 
Alec chose to say. 

But however Gid might suspect that his pres- 
ence had to do with this sentinel duty, he made 
no further comment, save to remark: 

^Tf yuh want me tuh take a turn jest say it. 
Yuh treated me white, an’ yuh ain’t got no call 
tuh do it, neither.” 

^'Oh! never mind about that, Gid,” said Jack, 
immediately. 

^'Yuh see, we’ve fixed up a regular detail for 
each night. Sort of military tactics. Even 
Budge, who isn’t worth shucks to keep awake, 
means to hold the fort tonight for several hours, 
with Jack here,” Freckles observed. 

''Sure I do,” spoke up Budge; who in reality 
had at that very moment been in the act of 


THE FAITHFXJL SENTRY 


113 


crawling into the tent, to snuggle down under 
his blanket; but who could not afford to decline 
this plain dare on the part of his tormentor. 

Accordingly, with a great sigh, he turned back, 
and took up his station as close to Jack as he 
could. 

In a short time the camp was quiet. Freckles 
and Alec had gone inside the tent; while Gid 
Staples seemed to be sleeping comfortably after 
his fine feed. He had picked out a place a little 
removed from the fire. Perhaps the light, or the 
heat, promised to bother him if he tried to sleep 
any closer to the blaze; but Alec was of the posi- 
tive opinion that some other reason influenced 
his choice of position. 

Jack had found a chance to exchange a few 
sentences with Alec. He knew that it was his 
duty to sit where he could keep an eye, not only 
on that tree, but also on the campus unwelcome 
guest. And if Gid made any move he had prom- 
ised to pull a cord which Alec had tied about his 
ankle. 

Budge sat up very stiff for awhile. Now and 
then Jack would address some low remark to the 
other, just to keep him awake. 

Soon the replies began to come slower and 
slower. And before fifteen minutes had passed 
there was no answer at all. Jack bending over, 
found that poor Budge was sound asleep. He 


114 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


lay just like a child that has been overtaken by 
slumber at the table, with his head fallen forward 
on his chest, and breathing heavily, in blissful 
unconsciousness of the dreadful nature of his 
offense, as viewed in a military sense. 

Knowing the uselessness of trying to force 
sleepy Budge into doing that at which his whole 
nature rebelled. Jack made no effort to arouse 
him; and so the other slept on during the entire 
time of his supposed guard duty. 

When finally Jack found that his spell had 
come to an end, he stepped over, and thrusting 
his head inside the tent, touched Alec. 

The latter only smiled when he saw the^ sleep- 
ing sentry; for it was just what he had expected. 
To save the feelings of Budge he pretended to 
trip over the extended feet of the fat boy, who 
came to with a grunt. 

^^Hey! what you doing?^’ said Budge, starting 
up. 'T ainT so small but that you ought to see 
me sitting here, doin’ my stunt. But I’m glad 
it’s over, and I c’n get to my blanket. This 
thing of standing guard ain’t everything it’s 
cracked up to be, I’m telling you.” 

Jack and Alec made no reply, though secretly 
they were both chuckling at the airs the fat boy 
was putting on. So Budge crept inside the tent; 
and when Jack followed after him five minutes 
later he was sleeping as calmly as though safe in 
his little bed at home. 


THE FAITHFXJL SENTRY 


115 


The two chums had exchanged a few sentences 
in low tones. Alec seemed to be particularly in- 
terested in the condition of the camp guest. 

^^He never moved, so far as I could see,’^ 
Jack reported. 

All the same Alec had his own ideas concern- 
ing Gid; and when he settled down in his position 
he assumed an attitude that brought his face 
somewhat in the shadows. If Gid chanced to be 
watching him he could not tell whether the 
sentry were on the alert, or taking catnaps. 

It was now past midnight. Around them 
could be heard the customary sounds that ac- 
company an August night in the North — frogs 
held a noisy chorus in some neighboring shallow 
bay, or arm of the lake; crickets and katydids 
kept up a constant chirping, and shrill denials 
of guilt; an owl occasionally hooted, far back in 
the hills, in a solemn manner; and a whippoor- 
will now and then joined in with repeated cries. 

Half an hour passed, and all this time Alec had 
maintained perfect silence; nor had he moved so 
much as an arm. Yet he could easily observe 
the spot where Gid lay stretched upon his back. 

At last the watcher was rewarded for his long 
vigil. Surely he had seen Gid lift his head slow- 
ly, and look eagerly toward him, as though en- 
deavoring to decide whether he could trust ap- 
pearances, and believe that the sentry slept at 
his post, just as poor Budge had done! 


116 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


CHAPTER XII 

ADDING INSULT TO INJURY 

Slowly Gid Staples began to rise up until he 
had gained his hands and knees. He then 
started to crawl away, keeping as low down as 
possible. Several times he dropped flat, as 
though thinking that he had heard a movement 
behind him. But Alec was perfectly contented 
to watch his crafty departure, without offering 
a single objection. 

Once he noticed that Gid seemed to turn his 
gaze upward into the branches of the tree. He 
looked as though half inclined to attempt some- 
thing; but second thought must have convinced 
the fellow that it was likely to be foolhardy, for he 
shook his head, and again resumed his crawling. 

Presently he reached a place where he deemed 
it safe to rise to his feet. Bending half over, he 
began to slink off. And if Alec had had any 
doubt before about the fellow's actions it was 
now wholly removed. 

Gid meant to give them the slip. For some 
reason or other he did not entirely fancy their 


ADDING INSULT TO INJURY 117 


society; or perhaps he had other fish to fry, and 
could not afford to waste any more time with the 
campers. 

It was not only remarkable, but suspicious as 
well. His whole actions were those of a thief, 
rather than an honest boy, entertained over 
night by generous fellows, against whom he had 
many a time in the past pitted his vicious schem-^ 
ing. 

When he was positively gone Alec concluded 
to do a little scouting, to make sure that the 
coast was clear. He therefore hastened to fol- 
low after the departing Gid. 

Presently he discovered him on the road lead- 
ing back toward town. The waning moon had 
come in sight over the hills to the east, so that it 
was no longer dark. Gid was making fair time, 
and to the amusement of Alec he had quite for- 
gotten to limp so painfully. 

^That little rest must have cured his game leg 
all right,” said the boy who was following after 
the departing guest; and the idea seemed to tickle 
him more than a little, to'judge from his chuckles. 

A minute laterrand he saw Gid drag something 
out from the bushes. It was his old wheel; and 
the first thing that Alec noticed was the fact 
that L'the large bundle still adorned the handle- 
bars. The second was that so far as he could 
make out the wheel did not appear to be the 


118 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


wreck Gid had declared; for when the other 
mounted, he was able to go pedaling along the 
road at a fairly decent clip. 

Alec was satisfied. 

To his mind it was now positively proven that 
Gid, when he left Staunton, never dreamed of 
going all the way over the hills to Mt. Holyoke. 
He had another mission in view; and surely it 
must concern the presence of the escaped con- 
vict in the vicinity of Harmony Lake. 

wonder now if our fine ham is tied up in that 
bundle?” mused Alec, as the figure of Gid, work- 
ing his old wheel industriously, vanished in the 
misty moonlight; and he found nothing more 
to do than return to camp. 

He remembered how the other had looked 
toward the tree where that mysterious disap- 
pearance had taken place; and was trying to 
figure out just why Gid would go to all that 
trouble and risk to get possession of their rations. 

Alec walked up and down during the balance 
of his time as sentry. All the while he kept 
close watch on the tree; nor did he allow the fires 
to die down. Thus, when it was time for 
Freckles to come on deck, he could truly declare 
that nothing had entered the circle of firelight. 

Freckles^ first act on crawling forth in obedi- 
ence to the summons of the one whose time had 
expired, was to glance keenly over to the spot 


ADDING INSULT TO INJURY 119 


where Gid had slept. Then he turned a quick 
and questioning look on Alec. 

^^Where^s he gone?’^ he demanded, in a whisper. 

^Tlew the coop while you slept, replied Alec, 
grinning as he contemplated the expression of 
mingled disgust and satisfaction on his chumps 
thin face. 

^^Good riddance of bad rubbish,” remarked 
Freckles; ^^but see here, I hope he didnT get away 
with anything worth while. Did you see him 
go, Alec?” 

“Yes, watched the whole performance,” an- 
swered the late sentry, cheerfully; “and I give 
you my word he didn’t take anything along but 
the good supper we gave him.” 

Then in a few words he told the story of how 
he had seen Gid crawl off, and after following 
the fellow along the road watched him mount 
his ramshackle wheel, to start back along the 
trail toward Staunton. 

“If that don’t beat the Dutch,” mumbled 
Freckles, lost in wonder. “Now, what d’ye sup- 
pose that fellow wants around here? Is he hunt- 
ing Hans; and has he given up the job just be- 
cause we told him about that stray tiger?” 

“That isn’t his way,” Alec replied, slowly, for 
he was himself unable to solve the riddle entire- 
ly. “But I don’t believe Gid’s turned back. 
That move of his was meant for another purpose. 


120 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


Perhaps we^U learn more about it sooner or later; 
but you must keep wideawake every second of 
the time between now and morning/' 

‘^You just better believe I will/' declared 
Freckles, lustily. 'What with all these tigers, 
runaway convicts, prowling Willies like Gid, not 
to mention other unseen things that come in the 
night, no more sleep for little Ambrose tonight. 
Climb in now, and get your thirty winks; and 
depend on me to do the needful." 

Alec knew Freckles to be a vigilant fellow, 
quite the opposite of poor drowsy Budge. And 
so without the slightest misgiving he crawled 
under the sheltering tent, and sought his blanket. 

The three sleepers were aroused by Freckles' 
announcement that morning had come, and it 
might be just as well they knew the fact. Budge 
was quickly in the water, taking his dip; and the 
others followed his example, though no one 
stayed in long, because the lake was fed mostly 
by springs, and at that early hour it was like 
taking a plunge in an ice bath. 

Once they were dressed the next thing was 
breakfast. Alec had told Jack and Budge about 
Gid's queer departure during the midnight 
hours; and many jokes were passed around in 
connection with the chances of his meeting either 
the roaming tiger or the warden squad with their 


ADDING INSULT TO INJURY 121 


^^Who sayvS bacon this morning?” asked Alec, - 
winking at Jack; whereat the other immediately 
set up a loud call for his favorite breakfast stay. 

^'Nothing like it to start you right,” Jack de- 
clared. ^Why, the very smell of it on the fry- 
ingpan gives me new vim. Count me in, Alec.” 

^That^s two. How about you. Budge?” Alec 
went on; with some motive in view that he was 
concealing from his companions. 

^^Oh! I^m on,” declared the one addressed. 

^ ^Anything suits me, so long as the vacuum can 
be filled. Call it bacon and eggs. It might 
have been ham, if we^d only been smart enough 
to hang on to what we had.” 

^^No growling now,” Alec continued; ^fiet^s 
be thankful weVe got the slab left. Freckles, 
if you don’t mind doing that climbing act again, 
would you be good enough to bring down the 
bacon?” 

^^Sure. Climbing’s good to stretch a fellow’s 
legs,” declared the other, readily. 

^Then I reckon you’ve had lots of it in your 
time,” called Budge after him. 

Jack caught Alec’s eye just then, and also an 
expressive uplifting of his brows. 

^^Do you think so?” he asked, in an aside that 
Budge failed to catch, as he was bending over, 
fixing the coffee in the pot. 

^^Don’t know. Just waiting to see; but if it 


122 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


could happen once, why not again?” was the 
quick reply. 

^Xook at Freckles shinning down the tree like 
a house afire!” exclaimed Budge just then, ^^and 
what d’ye think, he ain’t got our bacon either!” 

Jack whistled, while Alec nodded and looked 
grave. 

^^Well,” said Freckles, as he landed close be- 
side them; rather guess you’ll have to change 
the bill of fare this morning, fellows. We’ll 
try to do without the bacon part; for there ain’t 
any!” 

^^Do you mean it’s followed after the ham?” 
demanded the awestruck Budge. 

'Tt’s sure gone up the flue,” Freckles went on, 
dolefully; ^^nary a sign or smell left of it, up in 
that old hoodoo tree. Whatever took it must 
have wings, because we kept an eye out every 
minute of the night. I’m beginning to think 
there’s something in that ghost business after 
all, blessed if I ain’t.” 

The others laughed at him, but he went dog- 
gedly to work getting the eggs ready. All sorts 
of suggestions flew around; but Budge stuck to 
the idea that it must be the tiger that was rob- 
bing them so neatly. 

''Why, the blooming thing could easy jump 
from one tree to another, and nary a one of us 
see him, no matter how wideawake we kept 


ADDING INSULT TO INJURY 123 


while on guard,” he remarked, with an air of 
bold defiance as he looked around at his three 
camp-mates; just as though he might himself be 
the most vigilant sentry in the whole universe. 

^That might turn out to be the truth,” Alec 
admitted; but all the same his manner went to 
indicate that he did not himself put any great 
faith in Budge's pet idea. 

^^Oh! well, let's forget our troubles for a little 
while,” said Alec. '^We've still got enough grub 
to last us out; and if it comes^to the worst we can 
break camp before we counted on doing. Freck- 
les, here's my tin cup; please give me a helping 
of that fine coffee Budge made.” 

^^Sure,” replied the lanky lad, as he turned in 
his seat, and stretched out his hand; then the 
others heard him utter an exclamation. 

^^Say, this is going a little too steep!” Freckles 
cried out, a touch of anger in his voice; ^^a joke's 
a joke, but there's such a thing as carrying one 
too far.” 

Alec jumped to his feet, his face expressing 
positive surprise. 

^ Why, what ails you. Freckles?” he demanded; 
'Vhat's gone wrong now?” 

“Gone wrong?” echoed the other; “why Budge 
here is trying to get a little fun out of the thing; 
he's gone and hid the coffee pot, that's what!” 


124 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


And as the other three stared at the stone to 
which he was pointing they saw that the most 
important object connected with a camp break- 
fast had indeed vanished. 


A CLUE IN THE AIR 


125 


CHAPTER XIII 

A CLUE IN THE AIR 

''Hold up your right hand, Budge said Alec, 
sternly. 

‘'Oh! you needn’t look at me like that!” ex- 
claimed the accused member of the campers, as 
he bristled up with an injured air. "I never 
touched that coffee pot after Freckles he said it 
was done boiling, and put it over there on that 
stone by the other fire, to keep warm while he 
was cookin’ the eggs.” 

"I’ll say exactly the same,” declared Jack; 
"fact is, I haven’t even put a finger to fryingpan 
or coffee pot this whole blessed morning.” 

"That’s the same boat I’m in,” Alec spoke up, 
as he looked at the circle of bewildered faces 
around him. "Now, Freckles, are you dead 
sure you didn’t go and put that thing somewhere 
else yourself, and then forgot it?” 

"Say, what d’ye take me for, Alec, anyhow?” 
burst out the tall boy, just as indignant as Budge 
when he had disclaimed all knowledge of the 
missing vessel. "I tell you I put her right there 


126 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


on that flat stone! You can see the black mark 
still, just where she sat. And I never touched 
that blooming old thing afterward; cross my 
heart if I did.” 

^^Well, that’s the limit!” said Jack, himself in 
a complete fog as to how the best part of the 
breakfast could have so mysteriously taken wings 
and flown away, while they were within ten feet 
of the spot. 

^‘Somebody must have just crept up behind 
the tree, and grabbed it when none of us hap- 
pened to be looking,” said Budge; he would have 
tried to lay the blame on the tiger, only for fear 
of ridicule; for while the escaped brute had been 
a trained animal. Budge could not quite make 
up his mind whether the wonderful striped ani- 
mal had ever attained a human liking that could 
not be resisted, for coffee. 

Freckles immediately booed the idea vigor- 
ously. 

^^Couldn’t be done, nohow,” he declared. 
^That thing didn’t disappear in any ordinary 
way, I tell you, fellows. I know you laugh at me 
for saying I’ve got a little weakness about ghost^, 
and such things; but tell me, what did take our 
coffee if a spook didn’t? That ought to settle the 
matter once for all.” 

^Well, it looks like we’re short a coffee pot, 
that’s what,” remarked Alec, coolly; ''but even 


A CLUE IN THE AIR 


127 


that oughtn’t to keep us from enjoying our morn- 
ing cup. Here, hand me that kettle, Budge, and 
I’ll try my hand at making a second batch. 
Perhaps I’ll have better luck than you and Freck- 
les did.” 

‘"Yes,” said Budge, with set jaws- ^^and I’m 
going to sit here right through the whole oper- 
ation, and never once take my peepers off that 
kettle. If I see any ghostly hand reaching out 
to grab it, you just w^atch my smoke. I’ll whack 
it with this club, good and hard.” 

^‘WeU, go slow now, and don’t you get excited,” 
warned Alec; ^^because for one I don’t hanker 
after having a pail full of scalding coffee splashed 
in my face. Be sure you’re right before you try 
for a home run, Budge.” 

But nothing happened; the second relay of 
ambrosia was cooked without trouble, and break- 
fast went on undisturbed. Of course there was 
little else spoken of save these remarkable hap- 
penings that were mystifying them all. A 
dozen theories were brought out, only to have 
holes punched in them by some of the others. 

Alec managed to get Jack’s ear for a moment 
when the others happened to be engaged in some 
way. 

^ 'Can’t you coax both of the boys to go up on 
the hill with you awhile?” he asked. "I’d like 
to have the run of the camp alone for a bit.’' 


128 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


trouble about that, I reckon, Alec,’’ was 
the ready response from his chum; ‘^butwhat’ve 
you got up your sleeve now? Three to one you 
think you’ve struck a clue, and just want to work 
it out alone?” 

'That’s right. Jack. Tell you about it later,” 
was the whispered reply, as Freckles turned 
around, looking at them suspiciously, as though 
suspecting that some sort of conspiracy might 
be forming. 

Presently Jack spoke up, just as though noth- 
ing had occurred to disturb the peace of the camp. 

"Budge, I want you with me now. I’m going 
to make a big effort to get in touch with Staunton 
before night, and you can help me. Freckles, 
I’d like you to come along too; there’s some 
climbing that nobody can do as well as you.” 

Freckles looked a trifle undecided. He 
scratched his head, and heaved a sigh, as he cast 
a glance all around the camp. Evidently the 
strange events that marked their stay at Har- 
mony Lake were having a deeper effect on the 
superstitious tall boy than on any of his com- 
panions. 

"Oh! well, if you really need me. I’ll go,” he 
said; "but to own up, I don’t feel in much of a 
climbing mood. And I had a half notion I’d 
like to pry around this blooming old place, to see 
if there was any cracks in the rocks there, big 


A CLUE IN THE AIR 


129 


enough to hide a decent-sized spook. But count 
me in, Jack.^’ 

Before he left the camp, however. Freckles 
wandered all around, closely examining the 
ground, eyeing the neighboring bushes suspi- 
ciously, and even casting gloomy glances up into 
the tree that he had called a ‘^hoodoo. 

He finally tracked after Budge and Jack, shak- 
ing his head dismally, and looking very much 
downcast. 

Left alone, Alec sat there for a little while. 
He seemed to be deeply interested in the tree 
himself, for again and again his gaze would 
wander in that direction, and always with more 
or less nodding of the head. 

Finally he jumped to his feet, and walked over 
to the flat stone that lay close to the remains of 
the second fire, which they had allowed to die 
down after the coming of dawn. 

Bending down on his hands and knees Alec 
started to examine the vicinity of the stone. All 
he could find, however, was a spot that seemed 
to be wet. Placing his nose close to the ground 
he made sure that coffee had been spilled there. 
That would indicate on the face of it that the 
thief had been in such a hurry as to upset a por- 
tion of the pops contents on the ground. 

Alec seemed pleased at this discovery, al- 
though just why he should feel so might be di^;; 


130 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


ficult of comprehension to one who had not as 
yet been taken into his confidence, and knew 
nothing of the startling theory that had flashed 
into the mind of the boy. 

As he once more arose to his feet, his first act 
was to bend his head back, and look straight up- 
ward, as though he had conceived a sudden in- 
terest in the leaves of the tree just above his 
reach. 

Apparently he marked a certain spot with his 
quick eye, as though something had caught his 
attention that he thought worth while examin- 
ing at closer range; for he immediately began to 
climb into the tree. 

Working his way out on the lower limb he 
finally reached the place he had marked. And 
when he discovered that there was indeed a stain 
on some of the leaves Alec chuckled as though 
pleased. He again found the scent of the coffee 
very positive. “Freckles^ ghost must have been 
perched up here somewhere, he was saying to 
himself; ^^and I reckon he couldn^t just resist the 
temptation to enjoy one more drink of his 
favorite beverage when on the earth. But just 
how did he reach down to grab it when we weren^t 
looking? It^s ten feet from here to the ground; 
queer sort of an old spook to have an arm that 
long, I^d think!^^ 

Once more hunching himself along the sway- 


A CLUE IN THE AIR 


131 


ing limb Alec reached the body of the big tree. 
But he did not descend to the ground. On the 
contrary he started to climb upward. 

Though he looked carefully from time to time 
he could not see the slightest sign of any foreign 
object above him. The branches were all in 
plain sight, and certainly a body as large as that 
of the tiger could not remain hidden from his 
scrutiny, with that bright sunlight sifting through 
the treetop. 

Presently Alec came again to the place where 
the ham and bacon had been tied so securely, 
with the idea of keeping them away from any 
thieving beast or hobo. 

No one had thought to ascend higher in the 
tree, as Alec plainly remembered. Indeed, there 
was quite a length of trunk devoid of limbs, and 
to climb upward would necessitate considerable 
exertion. Besides, what object would be at- 
tained by such a move? The tree reached to 
the summit of the cliff, and its branches actually 
rubbed the face of the rock in places; but Alec 
made sure that nothing larger than a nimble 
squirrel could ever hope to mount high enough to 
gain the top of the height by continuing up the tree. 

And yet, when he came to closely examine the 
bark on the smooth space, he found fresh 
scratches, such as might be made by the soles of 
heavy shoes worn by a climber! 


132 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


If Freckles had not gone higher than these 
forks, then who was responsible for these 
scratches? And supposing some one had actu- 
ally climbed up into the treetop, what could his 
object have been? 

Alec was up against the solution to the puzzle 
that had been mystifying them. He believed 
he saw a great light. Perched there in the tree 
he allowed his eyes to travel over the face of the 
cliff. Especially was his scrutiny severe at one 
point, where the largest limb above rubbed 
against the rock. 

believe it could be done,’’ he said to him- 
self, as though his last lingering doubt was be- 
ginning to vanish under the flood of new light 
that had commenced to pour in upon him. 

But Alec was a diplomatic sort of fellow. He 
did not believe in rushing things as Freckles 
would have done. There would be plenty of time 
to figure all this out so as to decide on what 
their actions ought to be. The one thing he had 
made sure of was that if there was a ledge, where 
that limb rubbed the cliff, any one lying on the 
same might have fished for the coffee tpot with a 
line and hook; since the second fire had been 
directly below that particular point of contact 
between branch and tree! 


FROM ABOVE AND BELOW 133 


CHAPTER XIV 

FROM ABOVE AND BELOW 

^Toot! toot! toot!'^ 

Alec made use of the auto horn to let his chu ms 
know lunch was ready. He had heard more or 
less chopping going on all through the morning 
and took it for granted that Jack must be mak- 
ing fair progress in his job. But it was evident- 
ly proving a much more arduous undertaking 
than either Freckles or Budge had imagined 
would be the case. 

They presently came down the hill in a bunch, 
talking and arguing, as was their wont; and all 
of them eagerly sniffed the savory mess Alec 
had prepared against their arrival, hungry after 
their labors. 

Alec did not mean to say anything in con- 
nection with his astonishing discovery until they 
had broken their fast. In fact, he managed to 
steer the conversation in such channels that 
none of them thought of asking him speedy 
questions. 

^^How are you getting on with the great wire- 
less, Budge?'^ he inquired. 


134 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


^Tine, ain’t we, fellows?” said the other; at 
which Freckles opened his mouth to give ex- 
pression to his indignation that Budge, who sat 
on the ground and watched the others climb 
trees, should so coolly claim a share of the glory; 
but knowing how useless it would be to take him 
to task, the tall boy finally only shook his head, 
and sighed, as he gave Jack a queer look. 

^Then perhaps you may know before night 
whether you’ve got a big gas bill hanging over 
your head or not, eh. Budge?” Alec went on, 
just for the pleasure of hearing the other strike 
up his familiar complaint. 

— es, I suppose so,” said Budge; ‘^and I tell 
you I’ll be right glad to know the worst, fellows. 
It’s just awful, lying awake most of the night, 
worrying your head off because you can’t get 
word. It’ll take me ever so long making up for 
the good sleep I’ve lost on this old hike. But 
then I hadn’t ought to complain, when I’ve got 
such bully chums along, who know how to cook 
to beat the band. Just put some more of that 
stew on my dish, will you, Alec? My! it does 
go to the spot though. Never knew before how 
hungry the open woods, and hard work, make a 
fellow!” 

Freckles laid down his tin platter and just 
looked reproachfully at the speaker. But little 
Budge cared. He owed this tall chum a long 


FROM ABOVE AND BELOW 135 


string of debts for past badgering; and was just 
beginning to taste the sweets of getting back at 
him. Conditions had changed of late, and it 
was Budge who had begun to hold the whip hand. 

Jack, upon being asked to tell just how far his 
work had advanced, readily complied. 

Everything that had to do with machinery or 
inventions always interested Jack. His father 
had been the same before him; and the son, hav- 
ing started in at such an early age, gave promise 
of outstripping the record of the elder Kincaid, 
builder of the wonderful little engine that when 
put on the market was destined to make the 
name famous in the world of sport. 

He carefully explained just how he had man-, 
aged to get his wires stretched from one treetop 
to another; and finally started to adjust his in- 
strument so as to be in perfect sympathy or 
harmony with the outfit of the lame boy who 
lived next door to him in Staunton, over ten 
miles away. 

^^And he^s promised me, Alec,’’ Budge went 
on, with a happy, childlike smile on his rosy 
face, ^^that the very first message that goes flick- 
ering through the air will be about my horrible 
nightmare. He’s going to ask Bud Parkaiser 
to trot around to my shack, and investigate. 
Oh! how will I ever hold out while he’s gone from 
the other end of the wireless? And if the right 


136 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


word comes, fellows, I’m going to sing every song 
I know, I’ll be that delighted!” 

'^Murder! me to the woods if he starts that 
punk old banjo plunking!” growled Freckles. 
^That sure is the most awful threat ever. It’s 
a plain case of murder by inches, take my word 
for it. Begin with the swan song, won’t you. 
Budge, so I can pass away without too much 
pain?” 

The meal was about over by this time, and 
Alec thought it might be only fair to take his 
chums into his confidence. 

“Nobody has seen fit to ask me what I’ve been 
doing all morning?” he remarked; and of course 
every eye was fastened on him; while Freckles’ 
face told of newly awakened suspicions. 

“I had a hunch you wanted to get us all shuck- 
ed off, so you could just run the ranch to suit 
yourself, Alec,” he said. “And I reckon you’ve 
been using up some of that stuff you picked up 
out on the ranch. Now, take pity on your 
chums, and let’s hear what’s doing. Say, now, 
you ain’t got anything hid away in the tent, 
have you?” 

“Hear him, would you?” burst out Budge 
with a hoarse laugh. “He thinks Alec’s gone 
and caught that bully old ghost Freckles says 
is hanging around here; and chucked him inside 
the tent! Go on, Alec; what did you do besides 


FROM ABOVE AND BELOW 137 


get lunch ready? I’m on needles and pins wait- 
ing to hear, because I just know it’s something 
fine. It takes you to get things started when 
they begin to back water.” 

“Well, I think I’ve found out where our ham 
went!” said the other, smiling. 

“Hurrah! and perhaps that nice strip of 
bacon ditto?” cried Budge. 

“And our nice new coffee pot, how about that, 
partner?” demanded Freckles, eagerly. 

“All went the same road, it seems to me; and 
that was toward the sky!” remarked the narra- 
tor. 

“What did I tell you?” burst out Freckles. 
“See! even Alec has come to believe that noth- 
ing human ever got away with our grub. What 
could come down from the sky only a spirit, tell 
me that?” 

“P’raps it was an aeroplane!” suggested Budge. 

“Let me tell you something, fellows,” Alec 
went on slowly. “Then you can guess it out for 
yourselves.’’ 

He proceeded to recount how he had climbed 
the tree and found evidences of spilled coffee on 
the leaves toward the end of the lower limb. 
Step by step the balance of his investigations 
was told; until finally he plainly expressed his 
opinion that some one secreted on a shelf two- 
thirds of the way up the cliff, had managed to 


138 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


lower a cord with a hook at the end of it. Then^ 
taking advantage of their being about the other 
fire, this unknown had drawn the coffee pot 
quickly upward, several times knocking it 
against obstructions in his hurry, and causing 
more or less of its contents to be spilled. 

Budge sat there as though under a spell, listen- 
ing with wide-open mouth, and his blue eyes 
filled with a look of amazement. Just how this 
bright-witted chum of his managed to discover 
all these amazing things filled him with more 
awe than the fact that some one was hiding above 
their camp. 

As for Freckles, it was hard to know what his 
feelings might be. He seemed to have set his 
mind so strongly on the ghost theory that to 
have it all dragged down in this sudden manner 
rather made him feel disappointed. When a 
fellow has gone so far as to confess that he be- 
lieves in hobgoblins and such things, it can hard- 
ly be very satisfactory to see ridicule brought 
upon his pet theory. 

Jack, however, was tremendously tickled over 
the result of Alec’s investigating turn. It could 
only mean one thing to him — Hans, the escaped 
convict, must be even then close by, and might 
be reached in some manner. 

And that valuable paper, containing the draw- 
ing of the key to that invention which was to‘ 


FROM ABOVE AND BELOW 


139 


make the name of Kincaid famous, as well as 
fill the family purse, — might it not be recovered 
from the one who had stolen it for revenge? 

must get in touch with him, Alec,^^ he 
said, huskily. 

^^I’d like to do it the worst kind, Jack,” was 
the reply the other made. ^^Bufwedl have to go 
about it carefully. He’s a desperate man, and 
would think we were trying to help the wardens 
capture him again.” 

^That would upset all my plans,” remarked 
Jack, seriously. ^^Say, I bet he just listened to 
everything the wardens said, when they sat by 
our fire, and drank their coffee!” blurted out 
Budge. 

^^He couldn’t get down again perhaps, and just 
had to stay there!” suggested Freckles. 

“And that’s why he hooked my fine ham; the 
fellow was hungry enough to eat it only smoked,” 
Budge went on. 

“Which must a-give him a lovely thirst, with 
all that salt meat,” Freckles continued. “No 
wonder he just went wild at smelling our coffee, 
and made a fish line with a hook at the end to 
capture it, if half a chance came. I’m taking off 
my hat to Hans, boys. He’s the whole show. 
If we stayed here long enough I reckon he’d 
clean us out. In the end we’d see even poor old 


140 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


Budge going up, kicking like fun, and yelling for 
help.’^ 

But the other two were thinking more serious- 
ly about the manner in which this strange dis- 
covery of Hans^ hiding place might be turned to 
account. 

^^How would it do for some of us to go up the 
hill,” remarked Jack, ^^and see if we couldn’t get 
to a place where we might look down on that 
shelf which you believe to be big enough to hide 
a man.” 

good idea,” Alec admitted instantly. 
^ ^Suppose the whole bunch of you try it, while I 
shin up the tree again, and get ready to climb 
on the shelf from below?” 

^^Hear! hear!” murmured Freckles, scrambling 
erect, eager to be moving. 

^^And Jack, take the gun along with you,” 
continued Alec; ^^not of course that I imagine 
you’ll need it; but there’s no telling. How about 
Budge here; if there’s much climbing of hills to 
be done, he couldn’t keep up with the rest.” 

^ We’ll elect Budge to be camp keeper while 
we’re gone,” suggested Freckles. 

The party indicated did not know whether to 
feel gratified or not by this move on the part of 
his chums. It would of course be much nicer 
sitting there at his ease; but somehow Budge did 
not altogether fancy being left alone just then, 


FROM ABOVE AND BELOW 141 


when the woods seemed filled with all sorts of 
escaped dangerous animals and men. 

^^All right, fellows; Vll try to do my duty, so 
be off with you!^^ he said, in a brave tone; and a 
minute later he was left sole guardian of the 
camp. 


142 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


CHAPTER XV 

PATH ALONG THE FACE OF THE CUFF 

A code of signals had been arranged between 
the boys. Thus Alec, perched in the tree at a 
certain place, would understand when his chums 
above had glimpsed the man whom he fully be- 
lieved to be hiding on the ledge, although as yet 
he himself had seen not the first sign of Hans. 

When he heard a certain call he would know 
that it was time for him to climb the balance of 
the way; while they started to reach the ledge, 
if such a thing proved possible, from above. 

While he was sitting there aloft, looking 
down at Budge in the camp, Alec amused him- 
self with trying to figure out just what it all 
meant. 

No doubt Hans was familiar with this section 
of country; which accounted for his heading this 
way as soon as he made his getaway from the 
penitentiary. He even must have known of that 
ledge which could be reached by means of the 
tree. Possibly at some time in the past he had 
seen a wildcat escape that way; and out of curi- 
osity investigated. 


PATH ALONG THE CLIFF 


143 


And how about Gid — was he acquainted also 
with the peculiarities of the cliff face? Alec said 
yes to that question. The actions of Gid had 
proven his deep interest in that particular tree. 
He believed his desperate cousin to be hiding up 
yonder. Perhaps he had received word from 
Hans that if he were lucky enough to escape the 
watchful care of the wardens, he would make 
straight for this hiding place, and expect Gid to 
join him there, with some old clothes to take the 
place of his striped suit; and likewise some pro- 
visions to ward off starvation. 

And Gid was doing his best to carry out his 
end of the compact. It was no fault of his that 
he had thus far failed to make connections. Cir- 
cumstances that were beyond his control had 
prevented him from accomplishing his end. 

He had gone away, but Alec hardly believed 
the fellow meant to leave Hans to his fate. Gid 
had plenty of mean qualities; but he was a good 
sticker; and doubtless would scorn to desert his 
cousin. 

Alec was still trying to figure how best they 
could convince Hans that they did not intend to 
do him any harm, and were not in league with 
those three wardens, when he heard a whistle. 

That was the signal agreed on to tell him that 
Freckles and Jack had reached a point above the 
top of the cliff, and would soon be ready to re- 


144 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


port whether the thief who had stolen their pro- 
visions and coffee were indeed in sight. 

It sent a strange thrill through the clinging 
lad perched high in the tree. He began to climb 
slowly upward, intending to gain a position 
where in case of necessity he could speedily climb 
to the ledge. 

Then he waited, counting the seconds in his 
anxiety. And yet all the while he felt positive 
that he was right in his solution of the puzzle. 
Everything pointed to that one conclusion; and 
a short time longer ought to prove it. 

Budge had heard the warning whistle too. He 
was standing at the foot of the tree looking up, 
his round face filled with a fear that perhaps Alec 
might meet some unexpected trouble when once 
he tried to land on that shelf. They had said so 
much about Hans that poor Budge probably 
pictured him as a fierce-looking fellow, more after 
the type of a pirate than anything else. 

^^Oh! be careful, Alec!’^ he called up, plead- 
ingly. 

He even overcame his reluctance for climbing 
to make a start himself at mounting the tree. 
Alec did not smile for he understood the sincere 
affection that prompted the act; although clumsy 
Budge was as likely to get beyond that smooth 
place as he was to fly. 

Just then there came a shout from above, a 


PATH ALONG THE CLIFF 


145 


cry that startled Alec by its sudden outburst, 
and the meaning back of it: 

^^Hi! there he goes, Alec, along the ledge! 
Now’s your chance, climb like fun!” 

It was reckless Freckles who gave tongue in 
this way. Alec knew that it was a poor thing to 
do, since the words could be easily misunder- 
stood by the alarmed fugitive; who would surely 
believe they were trying to corner him with the 
intention of handing him over to the wardens. 

Since the thing were done, however, there 
seemed only one move open to Alec ; and this was 
to carry out his former plan by mounting upward 
in all haste. 

He was an agile lad, and really nearly as good 
a climber as Freckles; so that once he took a start 
there was nothing to keep him from gaining the 
spot where the stout limb passed close by the 
line of discoloration which he had decided mark- 
ed the ledge. 

Reaching it quickly, Alec, without hesitation 
drew himself up. No one opposed his coming; 
and so far as he could see at first glimpse as he 
arrived, the shelf was utterly devoid of human 
occupancy. There was a half eaten ham, the 
balance of their strip of bacon, part of a loaf of 
bread; and the missing coffee pot; but the con- 
vict had vanished. 

And as Alec stood there looking about him. 


146 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


filled with astonishment because of the disap- 
pearance of the one whom they sought, he heard 
a strange scratching sound close by. 

Turning his hand he was just in time to 
glimpse Freckles, as that elongated individual 
came down the face of the cliff, holding on to a 
rope which was evidently fastened somewhere 
above. 

Then Alec remembered that it was at his own 
suggestion the two boys had taken a stout line 
along with them when starting up the hill. 
Doubtless they were now making a good use of 
this in order to join him. Y’^es, there was Jack 
just starting on the downward trip; with the 
handy Marlin double-barreled gun slung over 
his back by means of the strap. 

Freckles was panting, whether from excite- 
ment, or because of his recent violent exertions, 
Alec had no means of knowing. But even a 
scarcity of breath never caused the tall lad to 
hold his tongue. 

'^He dived ^along this way, Alec; we saw him 
crawling off as soon as he understood you meant 
to climb all the way up,^^ and with these words 
Freckles started to lead the way to the left. 

He was so excited that he stumbled, and might 
have had a narrow escape from taking a thirty 
foot tumble, only that this comrade gripped 
him fiercely by the arm. 


PATH ALONG THE CLIFF 


147 


slow, Freckles; you^d break your neck if 
you took a header from here/’ Alec exclaimed, 
sternly. “Yes, I see now what you mean. 
There’s a narrow passage along past that place. 
I hadn’t noticed it before. And if Hans could 
crawl along such a shelf we ought to be able to. 
But be careful. Here’s Jack and the rope. 
Wait, I’ve an idea that ought to work. Give me 
the end of that rope. Jack.” 

Holding that in his hand he found he had all 
the support necessary; and could easily pass the 
perilously narrow neck. Once across, he allow- 
ed the rope to leave his possession. It swung 
quickly back, and was gripped by Freckles. 
Thus one by one the trio passed the danger point. 

“Fasten the rope around a rock. Jack,” called 
out Alec over his shoulder. “We may need it 
again to get back; you never can tell.” 

Jack caught the meaning of what his chum 
said. If after all they found that the passage 
along the face of the cliff could not be depended 
on to bring them to a point of safety, it would 
be wise to have a way of retreat open. They 
ought not imitate the Romans of old, who, when 
they landed on hostile shores, made it a point to 
burn their boats, or their bridges, behind them, 
so as to impress upon the soldiers that it was to 
be a case of victory, or death. 

“Here, take your gun, Alec,” said Jack, as they 


148 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


started on again, this time with Freckles bring- 
ing up the rear. 

Alec was not averse to feeling his favorite 
weapon again in his hands; though he did not 
dream that he would find any need of the gun, 
unless it might be to awe the fugitive convict 
into allowing them to come up with him. 

Slow progress followed their start. At times 
it seemed positively dangerous; and more than 
once pieces of the rock broke off under their 
hands, to go plunging to the ground below. 

A shout from underneath attested to the fact 
that Budge was keeping track of their progress. 

^^What^s he calling?^’ asked Alec, turning his 
head. 

^^He says he saw the man just then, and that 
he’s only a little way beyond. Keep moving, 
fellows, and we’ll close with Hans yet,” Freckles 
replied; for he happened to have the best ears 
in the party, and could hear as well as any jack- 
rabbit. 

Evidently Hans was in something of a panic. 
Believing himself to be closely beset, he was mak- 
ing a desperate effort to escape over a route that, 
at another time, he would have hesitated to at- 
tempt. And every little while a crash of stones 
ahead proclaimed that Hans too was having his 
narrow escapes. 

Once the noise was so tremendous that all of 


PATH ALONG THE CLIFF 


149 


them believed the fugitive convict must have 
indeed gone down with the rocks; but upon ask- 
ing Badge, who being below could see better 
what was taking place, they learned that, while 
he had hung suspended for a. few seconds, the 
man had finally succeeded by a desperate effort 
in drawing himself up again. 

^^But I reckon he lamed himself, fellers,'’ 
called Budge; ^^because he drags his left leg after 
him while he crawls. Hey! stop that, will you? 
What's eating you?” and Budge could be seen 
dodging several good-sized rocks that were being 
hurled savagely in his direction by the fugitive, 
who had grown tired of having his every move 
commented on by the fat boy. 

After that Budge held back, and kept an eye 
out for flying stones; since one had just missed 
his head by a few inches. 

Alec, however, pushed on with renewed zeal. 
If what Budge said were -indeed true, and Hans 
was suffering from strained tendons, they ought 
to be able to overtake him. 


150 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


,^CHAPTER XVI 

CONVICT AND TIGER 

'^Hurry! oh, hurry! He’s getting away, fellows! 
He’s off the ledge, and whooping it up! I don’t 
believe his leg was sprained after all. Quick! 
get after him!” 

That was Budge of course, keeping his chums 
posted as to the progress of the fugitive convict. 
The going was much easier now at any rate; and 
consequently Alec increased his crawling pace, 
with the other pair keeping close on his heels. 

see him!” exclaimed Freckles, all of a sud- 
den. 

^^And here we are at the end of the shelf!” 
observed Alec, who had been hoping for such a 
thing to hasten along. 

^^Now we can skip along faster, anyhow,” re- 
marked Jack; who was plainly worked up to a 
high pitch of excitement, as he considered what 
the tremendous result of this chase might mean 
to the dear ones at home. 

Freckles could have outdistanced either of his 
mates, for he jumped from rock to rock with 


CONVICT AND TIGER 


151 


the speed and accuracy of a Rocky Mountain 
bighorn goat; but while he thus kept a little in 
the lead, the long-legged boy was not so very 
anxious to overtake Hans, alone and single- 
handed. 

Still, he was in a position to keep the climber 
under almost constant surveillance; and in this 
way he possibly saved the others more than one 
false move. 

Hans certainly was not lame, no matter what 
Budge had said at first. Desperation doubtless 
helped to give him fresh speed, for he managed 
to get over the rough ground in a surprisingly 
quick manner. 

^^Are we going to lose him after all?^^ gasped 
Jack, in dismay, when he found that after ten 
minutes of this sort of work they had not drawn 
a particle closer to the other; and, if anything, 
were being slowly left in the lurch; for Hans, 
being desperate, often took chances at which 
they shied, choosing rather to go around. 

^^Oh! I guess not,” returned Alec, with the idea 
of encouraging his comrade; but truth to tell he 
himself began to doubt whether they would be 
able to overtake the fleet-footed fugitive; unless 
some unlooked for accident stopped his swift 
passage along the hillside. 

There could be no doubt concerning his iden- 
tity. Every time they caught sight of him it was 


152 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


to note the fatal striped trousers which he wore, 
having cast his convict coat aside. 

^‘Perhaps if I could only make him understand 
me 1 might get him to stop, and let us come up,” 
Jack went on, fearing very much that he was 
about to be cheated out of victory just when it 
had seemed within reach of his eager grasp. 

^Tt couldn’t do much harm to try,” was Alec’s 
brief comment. 

And so Jack started to call as lustily as his lack 
of breath would permit. But while the sound 
of his voice undoubtedly must have reached the 
ears of the man in the van, he gave no indication 
of any intention of stopping, or even holding up 
in his pace. 

^Tt’s no use,” declared poor Jack, presently. 
^^He doesn’t understand what I’m saying at 
all. Perhaps he thinks I’m shouting all sorts 
of terrible threats; for you saw him shake his 
fist back at us just then. Oh! if only there 
was'some way to butt in ahead, and cut him off! 
Can’t you think of anything, Alec?” for he knew 
that as a rule his chum was very fertile in re- 
sources. 

But this time there did not seem to open up any 
possible scheme that might give promise of re- 
sults. They could only keep up the chase in the 
hope that Hans, being weak from lack of food, 
would tire out, and allow them to overtake him. 


CONVICT AND TIGER 


153 


^‘Oh! what a bully good chance to pepper him, 
if you wanted to try exclaimed Freckles, at one 
time, when the runaway convict happened to 
come into full view, as he started across a little 
open spot, with a clump of rocks beyond. 

^That would be a fine thing to do, wouldn^t 
it now?’^ Alec replied with more or less indig- 
nation; ^^just remember. Freckles, that it^s a 
human being we^re chasing, and not a wolf, or 
even a red fox. Hans may get off scot-free for 
all of me, before I^d ever pull trigger at him.^^ 

^That^s right,’^ echoed Jack, '^though I guess 
if any one ought to hold a grudge against him, 
I might, after what he ^s done to my dad. But 
let^s keep after him, boys. We don^t know what 
is going to happen.” 

^^No,” said Freckles, somewhat abashed at 
his being taken to book by Alec, ^^and we ain’t 
going to give up the ship till the last plank goes 
down. Oh! say, would you believe it, his crony’s 
waiting up for him over yonder!” 

^^What d’ye mean?” demanded Alec. 

^That’s right, and you can see his striped coat 
up there on the rocks just ahead if you look close. 
Hans knew where he was headin’ for all the time, 
I guess. And now we’ll have both critters to 
handle, which is going to make things more in- 
teresting, according to my notion.” 

Alec uttered a startled cry. 


154 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


. ‘^What ails you?’^ demanded Freckles. ^^Ain^t 
I correct? Don^t you see them zebra stripes lying 
on the rocks? He’s waiting for Hans to come 
along. What ^ makes you act like that, Alec? 
Sure you see what I mean, don’t you?” 

^^Look again. Freckles,” said Alec, in a horri- 
fied tone; ^^and you’ll see that the striped thing 
you thought was the coat of the other convict 
is the side of that horrible old tiger!” 

^^Great governor! Alec, you’re right it is!” 
ejaculated the other. ^^Oh! what’s going to 
happen? Hans is running straight into the trap, 
and like as not he don’t know it. Somebody 
whoop it up and warn him; my voice is knocked 
all to flinders.” 

Both Jack and Alec thereupon shouted at the 
top of their voices. 

^^Hans, look out for the tiger! Ahead of you 
on the rocks! Drop on your face, or he’ll spring 
on you. Get down, Hans! Tiger! Take care!” 

But the fellow evidently could not make head 
or tail of all this shouting; he seemed to only 
understand that those who had been chasing 
him so furiously were making some sort of new 
threats; that possibly they meant to take a shot 
at him, and were warning him to that effect. 

At any rate Hans seemed more intent on dodg- 
ing that anticipated shot than anything else; he 
twisted around every little cover he could find, 


CONVICT AND TIGER 


155 


bent low, jumped sideways when in the open, 
and altogether gave proof that* it was not his 
intention to be made the target for a handful of 
shot, if he could avoid it. 

‘'Oh! it ain^t any use!’^ cried Freckles, seeing 
how things stood. “He^s just running straight 
into the claws of the old beast. Look at that 
tiger watching him, and getting ready for a jump. 
Talk about his not having any teeth; he^s enough 
to just scare a fellow half to death from his looks. 
It's coming, fellows; hold your breath now, and 
let's hope Hans can dodge his jump." 

The three boys involuntarily stopped still as 
they watched to observe what was about to take 
place in front of them. Hans was still pushing 
across the little opening; but had now almost 
reached the other side, where that clump of 
rocks reared itself up. 

And the big cat was evidently just about ready 
to launch himself into the air, deeming his in- 
tended victim within springing distance. Once 
free from captivity the trained circus tiger had 
evidently gone back to his former natural state 
of living, and meant to secure a meal after the 
primitive fashion much in vogue among his wild 
jungle relations. 

“Oh! my!" cried Freckles, suddenly. 

The tiger had jumped! One moment they 
saw his gleaming yellow-and-black-striped body 


156 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


flashing through the air; and the next he had 
landed apparently full upon the escaped convict, 
whose rapid advance had finally brought him 
within the zone of the jungle beast’s spring. 

Apparently Hans had had not the slightest 
suspicion of danger from in front up to the second 
he saw the terrible tiger in midair, heading his 
way. Alec had his eyes fastened upon the man. 
He saw the shrinking that overtook him when 
the first intimation of his peril came. 

Perhaps that involuntary backward movement 
had something to do with what followed. It at 
least served to cause the springing tiger to par- 
tially miss his aim. Instead of striking Hans 
squarely, as had evidently been his intention, 
the beast came upon the man in such a manner 
that he failed to crush him under. 

Freckles gave a shout, and even made some 
sort of forward movement, as though in his im- 
pulsiveness he would attack the huge beast 
single-handed, rather than allow him to maltreat 
the wretched Hans. 

He found his way blocked however, by Alec, 
who had thrown the Marlin up to his shoulder. 
The action was so significant that even Freckles 
understood; and in consequence brought his 
own forward movement to a speedy pause. 

The blow inflicted upon Hans, while not all 
that the tiger had intended, was severe enough 


CONVICT AND TIGER 


157 


to throw him sideways. He fell down the face 
of the hill nearly a dozen feet, and there was 
danger that in so doing he might have broken 
his neck. 

But sometimes what appears on the face of it 
to be a disaster, really covers a blessing. This 
tumble opened the way for Alec to fire, since the 
tiger was for a few seconds separated from his 
intended victim. 

Jack, crouching there in the rear, and watch- 
ing with strained eyes, saw the striped creature 
poised where he had landed after missing his 
victim by such a narrow margin. The animal 
evidently hardly understood just why things 
had turned out so poorly for him; but having 
already sighted poor Hans floundering below, 
was crouching again to follow up his first tactics. 
One mistake could not deter a hungry tiger from 
trying again, apparently. 

But Alec did not mean to allow this to happen 
without a vigorous protest from his side of the 
fence. He had been averse to peppering the 
savage beast with bird shot lest the only result 
be to turn his attentions toward them; but the 
case now admitted of no fine argument. Hans^ 
very life stood in the balance. And so the boy, 
taking a quick aim at that plainly marked side 
exposed to his marksmanship, pulled the triggers 
of his double-barrel, once, twice! 


158 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


CHAPTER XVII 

WHAT HAPPENED TO HANS 

The double report roared through the valley 
of Harmony Lake, making as great a sound 
as though a cannon had been discharged. At 
that distance the small shot undoubtedly sep- 
arated, and spattered the flank of the crouching 
beast. None of them could have done much more 
than inflict a severe sting; but the sensation 
might have resembled the circus trainer’s lash, 
under which the striped beast must have cringed 
roaring many a time. 

Freckles again burst out into a shrill scream; 
and the others joined in immediately. There 
was no method in the chorus of boyish shouts, 
save that noise might help to intimidate the 
hungry animal and keep him from turning upon 
them. 

Alec boldly started to run toward the spot, 
waving the now empity Marlin above his head; 
and not to be outdone the others followed as 
closely at his heels as they could, all continuing 
to let out the greatest assortment of football 


WHAT HAPPENED TO HANS 159 


yells ever heard in a closely contested school 
game. 

The tiger had made a quick leap as the gun 
sounded, and he felt the sting of the scattered 
bird shot. For just a brief three seconds he 
looked ferociously toward the advancing trio, 
as though almost tempted to accept the gauge of 
battle they had thrown down. 

Then something about their appearance must 
have given him what Freckles denominated a 
bad case of ^^cold feet.’^ He suddenly turned 
tail, and with an almost cowed demeanor 
started to slink away. 

^^Look at him, would you!^^ shrieked the ex- 
cited Freckles. ^^He^s running away like a 
whipped dog, with his tail between his legs! Go 
it. Old Stripes! Hunt for your dinner in another 
quarter, and good luck to you. Hurry up your 
stumps now; for we like your room better than 
your company!'' 

He only ceased shouting in this strain when 
the beast had utterly vanished from view, being 
swallowed up in the bushes, again cheated of his 
intended prey. 

The three boys immediately hurried to the 
side of the fallen man. Hans had made a des- 
perate effort to regain his feet after landing, 
doubtless fearing that the beast by which he had 
been confronted meant to follow up his first at- 


160 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


tack. The attempt, however, proved useless; 
and Alec realized that in his fall he must have 
broken one of his legs. 

As the three lads gathered around the escaped 
prisoner he glared at them angrily, as though the 
leading thought in his mind was that he owed 
all his new troubles to these lads. 

^^Are you badly hurt, Hans?^^ asked Jack, 
with considerable of anxiety, and also sympathy 
in his voice, as he bent over the other. 

'^Oh! just a leg broken, that’s all,” replied the 
other, bitterly. ^Teave me here and let that 
beast come back to get his dinner. I might as 
well do some good in the world; and I reckon I’d 
nigh as soon be in the stomach of a hungry 
animal as locked up in that stone jug for the rest 
of my life.” 

“Freckles, it’s up to you to examine, and see 
if what he says is so,” said Alec; and then turn- 
ing to the man he went on: “this boy is the son 
of Dr. Codling. He knows something about 
hurts. Just let him look, and see what’s wrong, 
Hans. Then we’ll try and get you to our camp 
the best way we can.” 

The man did not make any reply. A look as 
of surprise and wonder gradually crept across 
his face, as though he could not exactly under- 
stand what this sort of generous treatment 
meant. He turned his eyes on Jack, whom of 


WHAT HAPPENED TO HANS 161 


course he had recognized, for the boy had often 
been in his company during the time he was 
working as Mr. Kinkaid’s assistant, and before 
the quarrel that ended in his stealing that price- 
less drawing. 

Freckles quickly saw what was the matter. 
When he looked up his thin face betrayed con- 
siderable imeasiness. 

^Tt^s a compound fracture, all right,” he ad- 
mitted, ^^and a pretty bad one too. I^d like my 
dad to have hold of this case. Of course 1^11 do 
all I can; but it’s a matter that if neglected too 
long might mean serious trouble.” 

Hans of course heard every word. He gave a 
bitter laugh, as though he had steeled his heart 
against betraying emotion of any kind. 

^^Oh! don’t hesitate to say it right out — youn- 
ker!” he cried. ^Tn so many words you mean 
I’m likely to be a goner. All right. In that case 
I’ll cheat the wardens that have been hunting 
me like a wild beast these four days. I’ve had 
my fling, and made a bad mess of it. Let her 
come; you won’t see me flinch. I’m game to the 
finish. Better leave me right here, fellows; it’ll 
save a heap of trouble.” 

^^You know we couldn’t do that, Hans,” said 
Jack, as he looked down upon the miserable 
wretch with pity beaming in his eyes. ^We’ll 
make a sort of rough litter and get you down to 


162 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


the road some way. After that it won^t be hard 
to make our camp where you can be comfortable 
while somebody goes for the doctor.’^ 

'^And that means I’m going to fall back into 
the hands of the wardens, who’ll have it in for 
me because I give ’em so much trouble,” said the 
man, grinding his teeth savagely. ^^Don’t you 
send for any doctor, .1 tell you ! Leave me some- 
where, and let me take my chances. Perhaps I 
might have a friend come along, who’d look after 
me till I could limp around. And if the big cat 
does come back to finish me, why, it might be in 
the way of a blessing after all.” 

Alec motioned to Jack not to answer the man. 
He saw that Hans was bitterly opposed just then 
to their sending for a physician; and yet Freckles 
knew full well that unless some such aid as this 
were brought before long, complications would 
be apt to set in that might cause Hans’ death. 

They hunted around, and finding several poles 
that could be fastened together so as to make a 
rude but effective litter, Hans was tenderly raised 
and laid upon this. 

Despite his courage, and determination not , to 
show the white feather, the pain of even this 
movement was so intense that the wounded con- 
vict could not wholly suppress a groan; though 
he bit his lip until the blood came in the effort to 
keep this evidence of human weakness back. 


WHAT HAPPENED TO HANS 163 


Then began the task of getting him down the 
side of the hill to where they knew the road 
would be found. After working along the best 
they could for awhile their eyes were gladdened 
by glimpses of the beautiful sheet of water 
through the trees beyond. 

^ ^Nearly there, fellows,’’ announced Alec, as 
they strained and puffed under the burden. 
^^We’re doing finely; just keep it up a little longer. 
I saw the road right then, and we’re close by it. 
Once again to the breach now; and go slow, so 
as not to joggle Hans more than we can help.” 

No wonder the sorely wounded convict could 
hardly believe his ears. He had only a right to 
expect that the son of the man he had wronged 
so terribly would feel hatred, and nothing more 
for him. And yet, if he had been a boon com- 
panion of these manly young fellows, they could 
not be more solicitous about moving him without 
causing more pain than was absolutely necessary. 

Again and again did his eyes follow the move- 
ments of young Jack. Memory was evidently 
carrying him back to former scenes, when this 
boy and himself had often been together, tossing 
ball or fishing it might be. And perhaps a great 
wave of regret and repentance had started to 
sweep over the hardened convict, that ere long 
might prove of tremendous importance to the 
fortunes of Jack Kincaid. 


164 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


The warmth of the sun caused the traveler to 
shed his coat, where the violence of the wind had 
only made him gather it more closely about him. 
Some men can be melted by kindness who would 
scorn to yield to the most terrible torture. Hans 
might be one of these. 

Presently they reached the road, and every 
one breathed a sigh of relief. After that the go- 
ing should be much easier. 

^^Well have you there inside of ten minutes 
now, Hans, perhaps in five,^’ said Freckles; who 
as the only authorized ^^doctor’’ in the group, 
was supposed to be in full charge of the rescue 
party. 

^^Tell me one thing, said the man on the lit- 
ter, his curiosity getting the better of even his 
pain, ^Vhat sort of a critter was that beast? 
Looked to me like a striped tiger, only I never 
heard of such animals running loose in old New 
York State.” 

^Tt was a tiger, an old circus trick animal,” 
replied Jack. railroad smash-up the other 
day liberated several wild animals; and the train- 
ers have been hunting high and low for them ever 
since. Our chum. Budge Clifford, ran up against 
the same beast the other night, hiding in the 
bushes near our camp; but he scared him off by 
his yells. I suppose the old tiger is nearly starved 
now, and that would account for him tackling 
you.” 


WHAT HAPPENED TO HANS 165 


''Well, he’d have had his dinner all right, I 
guess, if you boys hadn’t been on hand,” mut- 
tered Hans. "And I’m trying right now to un- 
derstand whether I ought to thank you, or curse 
you. Either way I’m up against it good and 
hard; a meal for the beast, or back to my old 
ceU.” 

He relapsed into a surly silence; but continued 
to watch all that Jack in particular did. And in 
this way they presently came in sight of the tent 
and camp fire. 

Budge had of course heard something of the 
shooting, and the tremendous yelling. The poor 
fellow was on needles and pins ever since, not 
knowing what might have happened to his three 
chums. No doubt he imagined every terrible 
thing that could possibly have come to pass; and 
the silence that followed that last mad chorus 
filled him with liveliest anticipations of evil. 

Armed with a tremendous club Budge was 
standing as close to the fire as he could get; be- 
cause he had read somewhere that wild animals 
dread the flames; and really, how was he to know 
that the escaped circus beast might not invade 
the camp, now that his fighting spirit was 
aroused? 

A shout down the road attracted the attention 
of Budge, and to his extreme delight he saw his 
chums coming along bearing a mysterious burden 
on a rude litter. 


16(5 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


CHAPTER XVIII 

SOWING THE SEEDS OF KINDNESS 

think I ought to get away, and bring Dr. 
Codling up here, Jack,^’ said Alec, as the two 
stood together a short time later. 

“Wait a bit, and see what Freckles says again,” 
returned his chum. “He^s taking another look 
at the broken leg, and this time can find out bet- 
ter whether it^s as bad as he thought before. 
Hans is dreadfully set against our doing it, you 
know; and if we persist, it may set him against 
me. I was just beginning to hope for good news, 
from the way he keeps looking at me, as if he 
wanted to say something.” 

“All the same,” said practical Alec, firmly, 
“if the man^s life hangs in the balance, I think 
I ought to go, come what will.” 

“Yes, that^s true,” sighed Jack. “I wouldnT 
stand iii the way, no matter what happens. If 
Hans died I^d never forgive myself for being 
selfish, and thinking of my own benefit at his ex- 
pense. But put it off as long as you can, Alec. 
Meanwhile 111 take Budge off with me. The 


SOWING SEEDS OF KINDNESS 167 


wireless is so near completion that it ought to be 
looked after. Besides/’ he added, ^^it will keep 
my mind from too much worry.” 

“What’s that you say?” demanded Budge, 
who had come up just in time to catch the last 
few words. 

“Come along with me,” said Jack, smiling. 
“I’ve got a hunch that perhaps we may get in 
touch with Bud Perkaiser in Staunton before 
another hour goes by. And you know you made 
me promise that the very first thing I’d ask him 
would be about your affairs. Want to go along 
with me. Budge?” 

“Do I?” cried the fat boy, excitedly. “Well, 
I never felt more like keeping company with any- 
body in my life, not even Susie Lambert. Just 
think what this means to me, and the money 
that hangs in the balance? And perhaps, after 
I’ve found out how the land lies I’ll be able to 
get some sleep nights.” 

This last was flung out as a defiance to Freck- 
les, who happened to be approaching them just 
then. But for once the lanky youth chose to 
utterly ignore the challenge. Freckles’ face was 
serious, as though he were charged with grave 
responsibilities. 

“How about it. Freckles?” asked Jack. 

“Yes, is he as badly hurt as you thought first?” 
demanded Alec. 


168 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


Freckles shot a glance over to where the 
wounded convict lay, as if to make certain that 
Hans was not watching them. Then he nodded 
his head. 

^Tt’s sure a bad job, fellows,’’ he said, sober- 
ly; ‘^and as I said before, I’d be better satisfied 
if dad were only here to take charge of things. 
I know something about setting broken limbs, 
of course, but this is a compound fracture, and I 
might make a botch of it. I just don’t dare 
tackle the job.” 

“Still, Hans is strongly set against having one 
of us go after a doctor,” remarked Alec. “He 
knows of course that if he’s taken to town he 
must fall into the hands of the wardens again. 
But I don’t see at all how that can be helped. 
Wish I did. I’m really sorry for the poor chap.” 

“Would it make much difference if we waited 
an hour or two?” said Jack. 

“I don’t believe it would,” Freckles replied; 
“but what’s the object of that?” 

“Oh!” said Jack, with considerable feeling; 
“I was thinking that perhaps Hans might by 
that time sort of get reconciled to what must be, 
and give his consent. That would keep him 
from getting mad at me, and refusing to speak 
when I ask him what he had done with the stolen 
drawing that means so much to my poor father.” 

“Yes, and thep again you might have your 


SOWING SEEDS OF KINDNESS 160 


wireless working by then!” exclaimed Budge. 
^^In that case, you see it would be easy to send 
around to Freckles^ house, and get word to his 
dad that he was wanted up here.” 

Freckles, however, shook his head vigorously 
at that proposal. 

^Tell you what, fellows,” he declared; ^l^d 
much rather somebody went to see my father. 
If you send a message he^U never begin to un- 
derstand what it’s all about, you see. Conse- 
quence is, he’ll believe that something terrible has 
happened to me; and all the vray up here he’ll 
just worry to beat the band. I know him too 
well to believe anything else. If we conclude to 
send, let Alec go on his motorcycle. He can 
make it in a jiffy, couldn’t you, old fellow?” 

^^No doubt of that,” assented the one address- 
ed, readily enough. ^^And fellows, suppose we 
let things drift for an hour or so. Then if Hans 
stays in the same humor I’ll slip off without him 
seeing me, and go for help.” 

^^But promise not to start without seeing me 
first,” remarked Jack, wistfully. 

^^Ditto me,” echoed Freckles; ^^because I can 
tell you just where you’re apt to get in touch with 
my dad, who will be out on his circuit of calls.” 

^^AU right, fellows,” said Alec, ^T’U give you 
my word not to start without you being on hand. 
And while the two of you are up on the hill at- 


170 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


tending to the wireless station, Freckles and my- 
self might be trying to make Hans see things in 
a different light.” 

'^Hopeyou do, Alec,” said Jack, as he squeezed 
his chumps hand, and then turned hastily away, 
so that they might not note the tears that welled 
up in his eyes at thought of the vast importance 
their success or failure might assume in the carry- 
ing out of his plans. 

So Jack went on up the side of the hill, with 
Budge “toddling” at his heels, as Freckles always 
put it. In his mind the stout youth never walked 
like ordinary people; but “toddled,” “rolled” or 
“ambled.” Freckles was very expressive when 
he started to describe things, and had a fund of 
queer words that seemed to be part and parcel 
of himself. 

With Alec he again approached the wounded 
man. 

“How’re you feeling now, Hans?” asked Alec, 
as he bent over the figure that was covered with 
the blanket. 

“Pretty rocky, I reckon, bub,” replied the man, 
upon whose thin face there seemed to rest an ex- 
pression of agony that he could not wholly con- 
ceal, no matter how he set his teeth together, 
and brought his will into play. 

“Freckles, here, says he’s done all he knows 
how for you,” Alec went on; “but the break is too 


SOWING SEEDS OF KINDNESS 171 


serious for him to monkey with. We wish you^d 
change your mind, Hans, and let us bring Dr. 
Codling up here. I can spin down to Staunton 
in next to no time on my motorcycle, you know. 
And the chances are the pain will get much worse 
if night comes on without your leg being attend- 
ed to. Besides, you need some sort of stimulant 
to stand the thing.” 

But Hans shook his head, and growled his dis- 
sent. 

^^If the doctor comes,” he said, bitterly, ^^he’ll 
just have to let the authorities know what^s been 
going on up here, and theyll get me again. Be- 
cause you boys never could keep it back; and the 
doctor would refuse. Better for me to die, and 
end it all.” 

^'But stop and think, Hans; you can^t get away 
from here, you know; that’s utterly out of the 
question,” Alec went on, quietly. 

^Dh! you needn’t tell me that, younker; guess 
I know it only too well,” complained the wound- 
ed convict, bitterly. 

only said that,” continued Alec, softly, so as 
not to arouse the man’s anger further; ''because 
as you know the wardens are hunting for you all 
over these hills. By this time I suppose they’ve 
got your companion; and sooner or later they’re 
dead certain to turn up here again in our camp. 
So you see they’ll find you anyhow; and all your 
suffering will be for nothing.” 


172 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


Hans seemed to digest that, for he remained 
silent awhile. And all the time he kept think- 
ing he was watching the faces of the two lads, 
as though trying to understand what their motive 
might be in treating a wretched escaped convict 
with so much kindness. 

Alec believed he had sowed the seed, and that 
presently Hans would experience a change of 
heart. So he nodded his head to Freckles, and 
they left the wounded man alone for a time. 

^Tf there’s anything we can do for you, Hans, 
just call out,” Freckles said in parting; ^^if you 
think you’d like a cup of hot coffee I’ll be only 
too glad to make it any old time. Jack told me 
to do that. Jack hasn’t forgotten how you and 
him used to be great friends. He feels right bad 
about you being hurt.” 

With that Freckles turned away; and yet Alec’s 
keen eyes had caught something on the pinched 
face of the convict that gave him hope. It was 
a tear stealing down his cheek; and physical pain 
had never caused it to flow either, of that Alec 
felt positive. 

^That was a splendid center shot you made, 
Freckles, my boy,” he remarked to the lanky 
chum, after they had left Hans. '^And given a 
little time I honestly believe it’s going to tell on 
him. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear him call us 
over any minute, to ask me to start for Staunton. 


SOWING SEEDS OF KINDNESS 173 


Better be coaching me about your dad^s circle of 
visits, so I won^t lose much time.” , 

Accordingly Freckles made a little list of places 
which he knew his father was apt to follow up, 
placing the possible time against each. 

^^Just use the phone the minute you get to our 
house,” he said. ^They generally keep in touch 
with father; and he often calls up to know if any- 
body wants him in a hurry. It^s a way doctors 
have nowadays. They find the phone mighty 
handy in their business, I tell you.” 

They remained about the camp for nearly an 
hour. All that while nothing was heard from 
Hans. He lay so still under the blanket that 
Alec even thought the man might be asleep; but 
Freckles, who had stolen over once to see if he 
could do anything, came back with the report 
that he was awake, and suffering very much; yet 
apparently still averse to giving in. 

Then came the voice of the wounded man and 
both boys hurried across to his side. 

^^Will you have the coffee now?” asked Freck- 
les, eagerly. ^TVe made a pot, and a warm 
drink may refresh you, Hans.” 

^Tretty soon, bub,” replied the other, nodding 
and trying to smile; ^^but I didn’t call you over 
for that.” 

Freckles fell back, and allowed Alec to come 
in between. 


174 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


you mean that you have decided to give 
me permission to go after Dr. Codling, and bring 
him up here to relieve your pain and set your 
leg, Hans?^^ he asked. 

‘Tve about made up my mind I^m pretty 
much of a stubborn fool,’^ replied the other 
grimly. ^^You boys have been mighty kind to 
me; and after what I did to the father of J^ack, 
too. I never was treated so white, never. And 
up to now IVe always tried to make myself be- 
lieve I was glad of what I did. Yes, go bring the 
doc, if you will, Alec. P’raps it’s better I spend 
a few more years in the stone jug than drop off 
like a dog here and now. I might have a chance 
to turn over a new leaf if I lived; and I ain’t fit 
to die, I know that. So go when you feel like it, 
boy; I don’t object any more.” 

His face was screwed up with the pain his 
broken limb gave; but Alec believed he saw a 
new light there; and somehow a lump seemed to 
almost choke him as he thought of what this 
might mean for his dear chum Jack. 

*Tm glad to hear you say that, Hans,” he de- 
clared. ^^You can understand that we didn’t 
want to set the wardens after you. We knew 
you must be around here somewhere, and that 
the man who tried to steal my motorcycle was 
the other escaped prisoner. Jack said he’d 
never lift his hands to get you retaken. But I’ll 
start off right away.” 


SOWING SEEDS OF KINDNESS 175 


Hans turned his face aside so that they might 
not see the expression that had come upon it; 
a man of his caliber looks upon tears as a sign of 
weakness, and is ashamed to have it known that 
he ever shed one. 

^^Don^t forget,’^ interposed Freckles, fancying 
that Alec was about to rush off without any more 
ado, ^^fhat you promised Jack you wouldn’t leave 
without seeing him.” 

“I don’t,” replied the other, as he unlocked 
the chain by means of which his motorcycle had 
been secured to a tree, to prevent its being stolen 
by any wandering party who fancied its looks; 
“Suppose you start up, and let them know, 
Freckles. Seems to me something is going on 
up yonder, for I’ve been hearing considerable of 
noise, as though Jack had managed to get his 
telegraph working.” 

“Yes,” replied Freckles, quickly, “and listen 
to that, would you? No need of my climbing 
up there, when I hear Budge toddling down to 
camp with one continuous cheer making the 
echoes across the lake wake up. Alec, sounds 
to me like Jack had done more than got his wire- 
less working all right. Budge has heard from 
home, and he sure seems tickled at the news! 
Here they come, and look at Budge dancing all 
the way, would you, the sportive elephant?” 


176 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


CHAPTER XIX 

VIA WIRELESS 

When Jack led Budge up the hiM he did so 
from several motives. 

In the first place, he knew the fat boy was real- 
ly wild to hear from home, and hare his fears 
about that mounting gas bill set at rest,. one way 
or another. For, while Budge might be joshing 
Freckles every time he mentioned his lying awake 
nights, unable to sleep because of his disturbed 
state of mind, he was actually more than curious 
to discover the solution of this light or dark 
mystery. 

Then again. Jack himself felt the strain of be- 
ing kept on edge regarding the decision of Hans. 
If the convict determined to make a confession 
regarding what he had done with that precious 
missing document, what great joy he. Jack, 
would experience as he rushed home with the 
grand news? 

Last of all, though hardly less important than 
the other causes. Jack was keen on the subject 
of his wireless working. He had as yet never 


VIA WIRELESS 


177 


built a station; and there was considerable specu- 
lation in his mind as to whether he had succeeded 
in fulfilling all the conditions that would spell 
success. 

Taken all in all, then, Jack himself had more 
than a little on his mind as he thus led his stout 
chum in the charge up the hill, bent on snatching 
a victory over space and atmospheric conditions. 

Budge had considerable difficulty in keeping 
at the heels of his more nimble comrade; and 
more than once begged him to slacken his pace 
a trifle. 

^^Just please remember, Jack,’^ he would say, 
pleadingly, between pants, ^^that all fellows are 
not patterned on the same model. I happen to 
carry more heft than you; and it ain't such a 
picnic for me to get over ground. Of course I 
expect to get there, all in good time. But what's 
the sense of hurrying so? Rome wasn't built in 
a day, was it? The more haste the less speed, 
they say. Oh! hold on, and give a fellow a 
chance to wheeze." 

Despite the difficulties under which poor Budge 
was laboring, he managed to arrive on the scene 
of action but a short time after Jack landed. 

The latter was already at work. He had ar- 
ranged a little cabinet or tent at the bottom of 
one of his tree masts. Some spare canvas had 
supplied the material for this enclosure; and 


178 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


inside the booth Jack had installed his instru- 
ments on a rude little table, where he could sit 
and get busy. 

There were some little things to be done before 
he could make his first test. Budge was of course 
next to useless in so far as climbing went; for he 
never could have '^shinned” up one of those tall 
poles, as Freckles declared, had his life depended 
on it, even when footholds, in the shape of con- 
venient blocks, had been nailed all the way to 
the apex of the great staff. 

But he could squat on the ground and offer 
advice to the worker; that is the privilege of 
every wideawake American boy; and Budge was 
never averse to injecting his personality into any 
game, no matter how ignorant he might be of the 
rules. 

So, while Jack ran up and down his tall ladders, 
adjusting his wires, tuning up his instrument, 
testing his batteries, and in various ways getting 
ready to make his first “try-out,” Budge asked 
numberless questions, and gave much unsolicited 
advice. 

“The boy who knew” made it a point to cheer- 
fully answer all the former; and utterly ignore 
the latter; so that after all Budge had his fun, and 
no damage ensued. 

As time passed, however. Budge began to grow 
very impatient. His plaints became almost 


VIA WIRELESS 


179 


pathetic. He besought his chum to have a little 
consideration for him; could he not see how he 
was shrinking visibly, because of the nervous 
tension under which he was laboring? 

solemnly declare that if this keeps up much 
longer I won^t be able to even cast a shadow, Vll 
have wasted away so much,’’ he went on. 
^Tlease, Jack, say that you’re nearly done with 
all that jumping up and down business! Good- 
ness me! if a fellow has to do all these stunts to 
be a wireless operator, no thank you, count me 
out. I know it is a shame, and that it must mean 
a great loss to the world of science; but Jack, I 
really couldn’t stand so much exertion.” 

Just then his companion dropped down for the 
tenth time; only now he stepped over to the little 
booth. And as he went he beckoned to his mate, 
knowing that words were hardly necessary in 
that case. 

Immediately Budge jumped up to follow after 
him. For once, had the observing Freckles been 
present, he must have found no adjective at his 
command such as “waddling,” “ambling” or 
even “toddling,” to describe the progress of 
Budge. He actually ran or bounded — it is true, 
after the manner in which an india rubber ball 
bounds; but he was nevertheless close at the 
heels of Jack when the young wireless operator 
swung into his canvas cabinet. 


180 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


“Don^t tell me you’re actually going to try out 
the blessed old contraption, Jack?” he exclaimed, 
with rapture thrilling his voice. ^^Oh! my! oh! 
me! ain’t I just too glad for anything though. 
Perhaps then, in ten minutes or so we may be 
annihilating distance, and talking through the 
mysterious air with Bud Perkaiser in Staunton! 
Speed the time! But don’t mind me. Jack; get 
busy, please!” 

Of course Jack was too much occupied with 
what he was doing to pay any particular atten- 
tion to what Budge said. He knew that the 
other liked to hear himself talk only too well; 
and while at times there was a vein of wit run- 
ning through the crossfire of conversation Budge 
could keep up, in moments of intense suspense 
the flow of words passed in at one ear and out at 
the other with Jack. 

He was busy at his bench, manipulating his 
key. 

As'soon as the snapping reports began to come. 
Budge ceased chattering, and in an attitude of 
mute admiration and eagerness, watched oper- 
ations; starting with each renewed volley, and 
then holding his very breath when Jack seemed 
waiting to see if there were any reply. 

Thus several minutes went past, with nothing 
doing on the part of the other youthful wireless 
operator in the distant town. 


VIA WIRELESS 


181 


^'It ain^t going to work, I’m afraid, Jack,” 
groaned poor Budge, allowing his hand to steal 
toward the pocket where he kept that fatal note- 
book, in which stood the awful figures represent- 
ing his actual, or estimated loss, in dollars and 
cents, should his worst fears be confirmed after 
he reached home again at the end of the outing. 

^^Don’t be too sure of that. Budge,” smiled the 
other. ^^He may be out, you know.” 

^^But that don’t sound reasonable,” declared 
the other, dismally; ^ ^because Bud promised you 
he was going to just haunt his snuggery up under 
the roof, beginning with the second day after we 
left. He’s just crazy to get talking with some- 
body; and yank messages down out of the air.” 

^^Well, it’s getting on toward lunch time,” con- 
tinued Jack. ^Terhaps Bud has been called 
down to take a bite. He ought to have set his 
signal in that case, so he could know he was 
wanted at the key. I’m going to call ^B. P.’ 
again. Listen, now!” 

Once more came those fiery flashes, with the 
sharp reports that told how well Jack’s batter- 
ies were doing their appointed work. Budge, 
with suspended breath, eagerly awaited the out- 
come that meant so much to his peace of mind. 

Jack ceased, and hiding his head in the hood 
waited to ascertain whether his call could have 
reached the lame boy in Staunton. 


182 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


All at once there started a furious clamor. 

^^Jack! Jack!” shouted Budge, jumping at 
least six inches from the ground in his tremen- 
dous excitement; ^^he^s on! Bud is answering you! 
Listen to him rattle it off, would you? Don^t he 
just know how to jabber, though? Bully for 
Bud! I always said he was going to get the hang 
of things. Ask him. Jack! put the question to 
him, and let^s know the worst. Anything is bet- 
ter than wasting away to a shadow with sus- 
pense.” 

Jack jerked his head free from the hood, and 
glared at the noisy Budge. 

^Tf you want to hear yourself talk just step 
outside. Budge,” he remarked sarcastically. 
^‘But if you expect me to hold a conversation 
with Bud, button up your lips, and don^t even 
whisper.” 

^^Oh! excuse me. Jack; I^m dumb! Not 
another peep while you^re talking,” replied the 
fat boy, in sudden contrition; for it was seldom 
that quiet Jack spoke so sharply. 

For a little while then, flash seemed to answer 
flash; and Budge stood riveted to the spot, 
amazed at the thought that his chum was actu- 
ally holding a conversation with the other boy 
miles away; and with only the air as a conductor 
of sound. 

Then the rattling volleys and the flares sudden- 


VIA WIRELESS 


183 


ly ceased. Jack’s face appeared from under the 
hood, beaming with delight. 

“It’s sure a fine success, Budge,” he said. 
“Why, we just chatted as if both of us were only 
calling across a room. Bud is tickled nearly to 
death, because this is the very first chance he’s 
had to pull a message from the skies.” 

“Yes, of course,” said Budge, nervously, for a 
terrible fear had suddenly seized upon him that 
in the great delight over the success of his plant 
Jack might have forgotten the tremendous in- 
terest he. Budge, had in communicating with the 
home town just then. “But Jack, I hope you 
mentioned to Bud the little friendly service he 
might do for me, if he could only get around to 
my house, and take a peep in my den?” 

“To be sure I did,” smiled Jack, rubbing his 
hands like one who is satisfied with the returns^ 
after putting much hard work into a job. 

“And, Jack, what did Bud say?” the fat boy 
went on; “was he agreeable? I sure hope he 
didn’t think it was imposing on him; because you 
see, he’s lame; and our house chances to be at 
some little distance from yours and his.” 

“Oh! that wouldn’t be like Bud,” returned 
Jack. “He’s one of the nicest and most ac- 
commodating fellows ever. Besides, you know 
Bud gets around on his wheel just about as well 
as the rest of the crowd. He laughed a little at 


184 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


the nice pickle you got into; but you wouldn^t 
begrudge him that fun; all of us have done the 
same.” 

^^Sure, it must be funny to everybody else; but 
it’s mighty serious to me now, I’m telling you. 
Then he said he’d go, did he. Jack?” 

^'Why, Bud was only too glad to be of service 
to you,” replied Jack; ^^and by this time I reckon 
he’s just spinning along through old Staunton, 
headed for your house. Sure he can find the key 
there, are ypu. Budge?” 

^‘Did you tell him under the carpet at the head 
of the stairs on the top floor?” asked the fat boy, 
and upon his companion nodding he went on: 
^^he just can’t miss it, if he’s got eyes. Jack. But 
I’ll be all in a quiver till you get him on the wire 
— no, that ain’t what I mean — till he starts to 
throwing words across space again. I hope it 
won’t be long.” 

He had to move outside the booth in order to 
walk up and down, being unable to wholly con- 
tain himself there. Minutes dragged as never 
before for Budge, who kept up a constant stream 
of talking with himself, now and then groaning, 
as he consulted his little nickel watch, and found 
that the second hand appeared to be standing 
still, to his excited imagination. 

Would the lame boy ever get back? Could he 
have met with some accident that was going to 


VIA WIRELESS 


185 


interfere with the report so anxiously awaited 
by the stubborn Budge? Or was it possible 
that Bud was that stupid he could not look far 
enough under the carpet in order to find the 
necessary key? 

Then the thrilling sounds began to once more 
issue from the booth. Budge lurched forward, 
and leaning over Jack, waited until there was a 
lull, and the face of the operator became visible. 

^Tell me, did he get to my house?^^ demanded 
the fat boy, clutching Jack’s arm. 

^^Yes,” answered Jack; ^^and climbed all the 
way to the top floor; but although he pulled the 
carpet up, and struck matches to look, he could- 
n’t And the key!” 

Budge turned white, and clapped his hand to 
his head. 

^^Oh! what tough luck!” he groaned. must 
have taken it down, and put it away in my other 
trousers; the only time on record that I was so 
forgetful. Whatever will I do now. Jack?” 

^^Wait,” said the other, quietly; ^^give Bud 
some credit for smartness, when you hear what 
he did.” 

^^Burst in the door?” ejaculated Budge, ex- 
citedly. 

^^Not quite so bad as that; but he found he 
could look through the keyhole; and just see 
things dimly in the den; for. Budge, it was almost 


186 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


dark there with those heavy green shades pulled 
down!’^ 

^^Almost dark!^’ cried Budge, a huge grin 
wreathing his rosy face. ^Then my worry was 
all for nothing, and I did put out the gas! 
Hurrah! the country is saved; and my money 
will go for a motorcycle, and not blooming gas 
biUs! Hurrah!^^ 


THE FLIGHT OF THE COMET 187 


CHAPTER XX 

THE FLIGHT OF THE COMET 

^^Jack did it, fellows!’^ bellowed Budge, as he 
came rushing down into the camp; while Freck- 
les and Alec stood there, laughing heartily. 
^^He harnessed the air currents, and talked with 
Bud to beat the band. Oh! the experiment was 
a howling success, all right 

^^So we see!^’ observed Freckles grinning ami- 
ably and suggestively. 

^'Well, what d^e expect a fellow to act like, 
when he^s just had the best news ever?’^ de- 
manded Budge, not offended in the least. 

^^Are we to judge from what you say that you 
did turn off those three gas burners in your den 
at home?” Freckles went on, with a touch of 
curiosity in his manner. 

'^Sure I did,” replied Budge, loftily. ^T^d 
been a silly fool to have left ^em burning. Bud, 
he looked through the keyhole, and found the 
room all dark. And so that hard earned maz- 
uma is going toward my new motorcycle like 
Alecks here, and not to swell the gas company's 


188 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


coffer. Yes-siree, I^m feeling fine and dandy, 
thank you! I have got a mind on me after 
aU.^’ 

To observe Budge one would think he was 
the victor in a battle that decided the fate of 
a nation, he strutted so much. Jack was ob- 
serving him with a queer twinkle in his eye 
that attracted the attention of Alec. 

When he could draw his chum aside he de- 
manded what it meant. 

^^You know something that you are keeping 
from Budge,’’ he said. “I’m on to your game, 
Jack, old fellow. Now, out with it, and con- 
fess. Did Bud find the room dark, and were 
the gas jets turned off?” 

Jack fairly snickered as he nodded his head 
in the affirmative. 

“Then what do you find so funny about the 
matter, tell me?” Alec continued. 

“Why, you see,” said Jack, “as Bud was 
coming down the stairs, he met Budge’s mother; 
and naturally had to mention to her what sort 
of a message I had sent to him over the wire.” 

“Of course; Bud would want to explain why 
he was rummaging in the Clifford house, while 
Budge was away. And what then?” asked 
Alec. 

“She laughed!” replied his comrade. 

“Because her precious hopeful had been so 


THE FLIGHT OF THE COMET 189 


needlessly worried about leaving his gas burn- 
ing, when it was out all the while?’ ^ demanded 
Alec. 

^'Not at all; but because he had done that 
very same thing!” Jack whispered. 

^^What?” cried Alec. 

’Sh! don’t look so surprised,” said Jack; 
^^for Budge might turn his eyes this way, and 
get suspicious. He was so dreadfully tickled 
at the first part of my report that I just didn’t 
have the heart to tell him the rest. Let him 
enjoy himself. We’ll take up a collection, and 
pay the bill if it comes to it; but after all, I 
reckon his ma and pa won’t be so cruel as to 
charge him up with the waste gas.” 

^^But I don’t understand,” Alec protested; 
^^you just said Bud looked through the keyhole, 
and saw the den in darkness, with those heavy 
green shades drawn down! How d’ye make 
that out?” 

“Why, you see it was this way,” his chum 
explained. “Bud had asked his mother to 
sew up one of the pockets in his best trousers; 
so this very morning she happened to remember 
about it. And for once he had left the key to 
the den in a pocket of those very same trousers, 
so that she came across it.” 

“And went upstairs,” Alec laughed; “to see 
if the den couldn’t be cleaned up during the 


190 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


absence of the owner; wasn’t that it? Don’t 
I know these good mothers, though, even if I 
haven’t got one myself, worse luck. You nod 
as if I’d struck oil first clip. And she found 
the burners turned on?” 

^^FuU tilt, the whole blessed three of ’em!” 
Jack whispered. 

^^Oh! my! then he did forget, after all? Look 
at him strutting around as if he had built that 
wireless all by his lonely? It would be a shame 
to take the wind out of his sails. Yes, you’re 
right. Jack, let poor Budge get all the pleasure 
he can out of it while we’re up here. But, gee! 
what a fall there will be, my countrymen, when 
he gets home, and learns the awful truth.” 

^^And you and I,” said Jack, ^^can wdnk at 
each other every time he starts in to do his 
little boast, because we’re behind the scenes, 
and know what an empty shell he’s hugging 
to his poor old breast.” 

^^How about telling Freckles?” asked his 
chum. 

“Not on your life,” came the immediate 
reply. ‘^He could never hold in when he felt 
one of his fits of nagging come on; and the con- 
sequence would be that more oi Budge’s short 
vacation would be spoiled. No, let him be 
happy while he may. The trouble wiU break 
loose soon enough. But now teU me, Alec, 


THE FLIGHT OF THE COMET 191 


has there been any new development here?^^ 
and he jerked his thumb in the direction of the 
spot where the wounded man lay under the 
blanket. 

^^Yes, and I was just hoping you and Budge 
would come down, when I heard him set up 
that awful whooping,^’ replied Alec. 

you mean he has given his consent that 
you go for Freckles’ father, the doctor; and that 
there’ll be no need of your sneaking away?” 
asked the eager Jack. 

That’s just it. Jack. Between Freckles 
and myself we managed to work upon the feel- 
ings of Hans. He shows signs of breaking 
down; and if you just keep doing all the little 
things you can to make him easy, without say- 
ing a single word about what object you have 
in view, I believe. Jack, that before we see the 
last of him, Hans will speak the words you’re 
just wild to hear!” 

‘^Oh! you give me a delightful thrill, Alec,” 
said Jack, in a voice that vibrated with emo- 
tion; ^^and don’t I just hope it may turn out 
that way? I’ll try and not bother him, just 
watch over the poor old chap. After all, per- 
haps Hans may be as much sinned against as 
sinning. And if he ever gets another chance, 
he might turn out a different sort of a man.” 

believe he will, from what I’ve seen of 


192 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


him. But, Jack, I hadn’t ought to stay around 
here any longer. The sooner I make a start, 
the quicker Dr. Codling will be able to* hop up 
here in his new car.” 

^^Will you come with him?” asked Jack. 

^^Not in any car for me, when I’ve got this 
dandy motorcycle,” declared Alec, as he went 
over to examine his mount, and see that every- 
thing was in order for a speedy run to town. 

^^Hey! Alec, what’s to hinder you getting 
another ham, and fastening it on your bully 
old Comet?” called out Freckles, just then. 
^^You know we’re some shy on the grub ques- 
tion right now, owing to circumstances over 
which we had no control. And while you’re 
about it, pick up a couple of loaves of fresh 
bread at the bakery; and if you could get your 
good old guardian to let you have a couple 
of tender chickens, why bring ’em along too; 
we’ll enjoy picking the bones first rate.” 

^^Hold on!” cried Alec, looking up in dismay; 
^Halk about Budge wanting to load us down 
with all sorts of traps, you take the cake when 
it comes to things to eat. Now, what d’ye 
think I’d look like, running through the streets 
of Staunton with aU that truck tied around my 
wheel? They’d take me for one of Sherman’s 
bummers, out on a foraging expedition. The 
chief of police would sure run me in, thinking 
I was trying to clean the old town out.” 


THE FLIGHT OF THE COMET 193 


^^But the ham he gets won’t be the same as 
that lovely home-cured one I contributed,” 
remarked Budge, with a sad shake of the head. 

“Well, beggars mustn’t be choosers,” Jack 
laughed; for under the new and more cheering 
prospect he was beginning to feel more like 
his old self, and believe that presently things 
might turn out better than he had even dreamed 
would ever be the case. 

“Nothing else anybody can think up for me 
to do when in town?” asked Alec. 

“Why, it just seems like we’ve been away 
from home a whole month,” declared the fat 
boy; “but then that is because I’ve been so 
dreadfully worried all the blessed time, and lay- 
ing awake nights, while the rest of you snoozed 
to beat the band.” 

“Oh! yes,” broke in Freckles, quickly, “the 
band was here, aU right, and going fuU tilt. I 
could make out the shrill sound of the fife, and 
the deep boom of the bass drum. Budge has 
got it aU down pat when he chooses to gurgle 
and snort and wheeze in his sleep. The Staun- 
ton brass band would go and hide its head, if 
ever its members camped out with him!” 

“If you just happen to pass my house, Alec,” 
Jack said, “you might drop in to tell mother 
and father that I’m all right. Father is some 
interested in my first attempt at a wireless, and 


194 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


would be pleased to know that it worked bang- 
up.” 

^^And I^m dead sure my people would be 
glad to hear from their dear beloved,” Freckles 
remarked; “so when you find the governor, be 
sure to tell him to let ma know I^m sitting up 
to my three square meals a day. That means 
I^m right well, thank you!” 

“I see my finish if I have to scour the whole 
of Staunton like a messenger boy,” laughed 
Alec. “But never mind, fellows, IT do my 
best to accommodate you all. We certainly 
ought to have more supplies, after what hap- 
pened; and since it^s a case of sickness that 
sends me to town, I might as well kill two birds 
with one stone; or half a dozen while I^m about 
it.” 

“That^s the stuff,” laughed Freckles, patting 
Budge on the shoulder; “cheer up, Budge, 
you’re going to have fried ham, and boiled ham, 
ham croquettes, and ham in every old style 
before we’re done with this Camp Surprise.” 

“Is that what you named the camp?” de- 
manded Budge. 

“Well, what could be better? Just look 
back, and you’ll see that it’s been one long 
surprise ever since we landed here; and then 
some,” declared Freckles. 

“Why, yes, so it has,” mused the other; 


THE FLIGHT OF THE COMET 195 


^^first, the strange mystery of the ham; then the 
bacon and the bread, and finally the vanishing 
of our dandy coffee pot; and the finding of him 
up there on the shelf. 

'^Oh! you’re forgetting lots of it,” said Freck- 
les, immediately. ^^How about your surprise 
when you suddenly faced that striped yellow 
and black boy in the bushes, tell me that? And 
then the sudden coming of Gid gave us all a 
shock; as well as his absence when we woke up 
in the morning to find him gone. Can you 
think of a better name for our camp. Budge?” 

own up; I acknowledge the com. It’s 
just a bunkum name. And how it will thrill 
us to remember all the great times we’ve had 
here,” Budge confessed, in his usual frank man- 
ner. 

“Not to mention the greatest surprise of 
all, when you found that you’d done the right 
thing, and put out the blooming gas on leaving 
your old den,” added Freckles; upon which the 
fat boy involuntarily puffed out his breast, and 
his cheeks ditto, with a consciousness of pride, 
to the secret amusement of Jack and Alec, who 
knew upon what a false foundation this haughty 
spirit rested. 

“Yes that capped the climax,” Budge ob- 
served, calmly; “as they always say when a 
really great thing has come to pass. But Alec 


196 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


is ready to start, fellows. Every one of us wish 
him a safe journey and a speedy return.^^ 

“Laden with spoils, that will keep us in good 
trim to the day we break camp,^^ remarked 
' Freckles. 

Alec went the rounds, shaking each one^s 
hand gravely, as though he meant to be absent 
for a month, instead of a couple of hours at 
most. 

“Some time you must let me try that ma- 
chine, old sport, said Budge, as he watched the 
other get ready to start off; for the motorcycle, 
being an up-to-date model, it was not at all 
necessary to run with it and jump on, as in 
other days; for the engine was a free running 
affair, and could be T3ontrolled from the seat 
like that of an automobile. 

“All right, I promise you,’^ said Alec, when 
the powerful little engine began to throb eagerly 
as though anxious to have him start. “Be- 
cause, if weVe all going to make that trip down 
to North Carolina this fall, after the rest of you 
get your new wheels, you ought to know how 
to control such a machine. Well, ta-ta, fellows. 
Keep an eye out for the doctor; and look after ^ 
Hans as if he were one of us.^^ 

Alec purposely raised his voice with this last 
sentence; and a movement of the blanket told 
him that the wounded man must have heard 
his words. 


THE FLIGHT OF THE COMET 197 


With a little volley of explosions the motor- 
cycle started down the road, Alec having to 
pick his way between the many obstructions. 
But he found a chance to wave his cap back at 
the watching boys, and answer the cheer they 
sent after him. 

^^The finest fellow, barring none, that ever 
came along the pike!^^ said Jack, with sincere 
affection in his voice. 

That’s right,” declared Freckles earnestly, 
for he too was very fond of Alec. 

^^My! I forgot to tell him to keep an eye 
peeled for Stripes,” remarked Budge, in an un- 
easy tone. hope now he don’t happen to 
run across that hungry old tiger; because if he 
does, there might be something doing; for the 
poor beast has been cheated out of his dinner 
so many times he must be nearly crazy for 
grub! I hope Alec don’t meet up with him, 
that’s all.” 

But Alec did. 


198 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


CHAPTER XXI 

PITY THE POOR TIGER ! 

When Alec started on his reliable motorcycle 
to make the run back to town, he really had 
but one idea in view. This was to make as 
good time as possible, consistent with reason. 

For some miles, until the crossroads had been 
reached, in fact, the going would not be all that 
one might wish. Ruts had been worn in the 
road by the summer rains; and there were 
multitudes of stones of various dimensions that 
must be carefully avoided lest he meet with an 
accident, and take a header. 

But strange to say Alec never once considered 
the chances of his running across any other type 
of peril. For instance, it is doubtful whether 
he even gave a single thought to the bane of 
Budgets life, that escaped tiger. 

He waved his cap back toward his cheering 
camp-mates, as has been told. After that he 
settled down to the task of navigating his course, 
winding in and out by a dexterous manipulation 
of the handlebars of his machine, just as though 
he might be marking out an intricate pattern. 


PITY THE POOR TIGER 


199 


When he came to the bridge where the fellow 
had met his Waterloo, after running off with the 
Comet, Alec smiled broadly. 

^^This is one of the luckiest spots I know of,” 
he remarked aloud to himself, as he stopped, 
and jumped from his machine. ^^Not once in 
a thousand years would a fellow w^ho had stolen 
a motorcycle pick out such a nice soft place to 
plunge into, after shooting off the road. Not 
a scratch to the wheel; and I guess he wasn^t 
hurt himself. Mud is of some use after all.” 

It was not idle curiosity alone that caused 
him to thus make a brief halt in his journey 
toward Staunton. He wished to ascertain 
whether the wardens with their dogs had taken 
up the trail here; and if so he could give a 
pretty good guess as to what had happened to 
the second escaped convict by this time. 

The marks were plain enough, showing that 
men and hounds had crossed the tracks in the 
mud. Alec having made this discovery only 
gave a sweeping look around; but the silence 
of the hills was unbroken, and nothing could 
be seen or heard to tell whether the men from 
the penitentiary had been successful or not. 

Satisfied, he once more resumed his journey. 
Mounting the long rise down which the thief 
had coasted when making off with the Comet, 
Alec found himself due for a little run of the 


200 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


same type. Only for the thick trees he might 
have had a fine view from this point. The 
hills were mainly behind him now, for he had 
covered considerable distance; and presently, 
upon striking the crossroads, would find him- 
self upon the almostTevel plateau given almost 
exclusively over to farming, and upon which 
Staunton itself lay. 

It was when almost half way down this long 
descent, and going at a pretty fair pace, con- 
sidering the difficulties of navigation, that Alec 
received a sudden acute shock. 

He happened to be looking somewhat ahead, 
with the idea of grasping the possibilities that 
awaited him in the balance of the descent, when 
something moving alongside the road caught 
his quick eye. 

Once again he recognized the presence of those 
well remembered stripes that seemed to mark 
all escaped prisoners, whether from circus cages 
or State penitentiaries. Some object had given 
a jump, as if to reach a point a little closer to 
the border of the road! 

Alec knew instinctively what it meant. Twice 
already had he seen the roving tiger, and by 
this time he surely ought to be able to recog- 
nize the beast. Cheated of his anticipated 
dinner a few hours previously by the coming 
of Alec and his chums, and the racket they made 


PITY THE POOR TIGER 


201 


having scared him off just when he had Hans' 
at his mercy, the animal had taken to lying 
in wait near the road. 

It almost seemed as though some supernat- 
ural intelligence had warned the beast of his, 
Alec’s coming. By making a sudden leap upon 
the passing rider of the motorcycle he could 
kill two birds with one stone. It would not 
only open up an opportunity for the long de- 
layed dinner; but at the same time avenge his 
recent burning pain when the birdshot punc- 
tured his yellow and black hide. 

Alec might have brought his machine to a 
halt even while speeding down the grade, since 
the power of his brake was supreme. He did 
nothing of the sort, however. 

In the first place, his progress was so rapid 
that even though he succeeded in stopping, the 
momentum would be sufficient to carry him 
almost to the fatal place where his enemy lay 
in hiding. ^ 

Then again, another plan had flashed into 
his active brain, just as though it came as a 
brilliant inspiration. 

Had he not seen how even the king of the 
jungle bowed to the terror of noise? Did he 
not remember of a case where a musician be- 
longing to a regiment out in India, becoming 
lost, and suddenly faced by a man-eater tiger, 


202 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


had greeted the beast with a series of screeches 
from his trumpet; which salute sent the animal, 
cowed, about his business? 

Well, what was to hinder history repeating 
itself? He did not happen to possess a trumpet, 
or even a drum; but how about the horn at- 
tached to his motorcycle; could he not manip- 
ulate that valuable affair in such a fashion as 
to emit a series of almost diabolical screeches 
and other sounds, calculated to throw any or- 
dinary animal into a fit of apprehension? 

Any unusual noise will scare a wild beast 
nine times out of ten. Familiarity with the 
same takes away from his alarm; but Alec found 
no reason to believe that even a trained circus 
tiger would be well acquainted with the latest 
improvement in automobile horns, as applied 
to a motorcycle. 

One hand released the handlebar, upon which 
he had been maintaining such a tense clutch, 
so as to be ready for the shock in case he struck 
a loose stone while in the act of coasting. 

He threw on full speed, and at the same time 
opened his muffler; so that there suddenly 
broke out a series of ear splitting shocks, follow- 
ing each other in rapid succession. 

Nor was this all that free hand accomplished 
in the shortest space of time imaginable. 
Clutching the horn, he proceeded to cause it 


PITY THE POOR TIGER 


203 


to give vent to the most hideous assortment 
of shrieks and groans that ever welled from the 
alarm box of a mile-a-minute racing motorcycle. 

The din was terrific. Alec knew that if he 
meant to baffle the tiger, now near the point 
of desperation through a lack of its customary 
rations, he must bring to bear every variety 
of sound possible. And looking back at a later 
date he was of the opinion that he must have 
succeeded fairly well in this task. 

Of course his momentum was instantly in- 
creased by the fact that he had thrown on more 
power. And with a jump the Comet com- 
menced to just whiz down that easy grade. If 
he came up against no obstruction calculated 
to give him the worst upset of his whole career, 
Alec might consider himself fortunate indeed. 
But it was not choice but stern necessity that 
compelled him to take these desperate chances. 

A second, two of them perhaps, and he was 
now close upon the spot where he had seen 
^^Old Stripes,” as Freckles was pleased to call 
the tiger, crouch down to await the coming of 
his prey. 

If anything, Alec added to the noise; his in- 
tention was good for this at least. And natu- 
rally his very heart seemed to feel a cold chill 
when he saw a flash of those brightly barred 
sides in the air. 


204 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


The tiger had jumped; but not toward him! 
Frightened by the terrific racket, the again 
baffled brute was compelled to flee once more 
into the shelter of the woods, and nurse its gnaw- 
ing hunger until some new chance for satisfying 
the same came about. 

Alec gave vent to a shout of triumph as he 
saw which way the wind blew. All his fears 
vanished, just as the mist disappears before the 
rising sun. There was no longer any danger 
lest the beast could overtake him, even though 
it experienced a change of heart. His speed 
was far too great for any tiger that ever lived, 
and three times so for an aged, toothless beast, 
a captive for many years. 

Flying like the wind down to the base of the 
descent, and only concerned now as to the pos- 
sibility of a disastrous spill, Alec counted him- 
self extremely fortunate in having thus put his 
enemy to flight for the third time. 

^^If those circus people would only come along 
now, I might give them a pointer or two about 
their prize exhibition,^’ he laughed, as he struck 
the bottom of the long hill, and proceeded to 
reduce his really terrific speed by half. After 
so many disappointments that poor old chap 
would welcome the bait of a trap, and go back 
into his cage gladly, if there was only a haunch 
of tough cow meat as a temptation.” 


PITY THE POOR TIGER 


205 


From that time on the running was smoother; 
and presently Alec found himself at the cross- 
roads, where Freckles had had his remarkable 
adventure with the ghost that turned out to be 
only a cow with a white face. 

He laughed as he swept past the guidepost; 
for Jack had told the story of how the lanky 
chum straddled that object, and shouted for 
help. 

^‘Now what the dickens is that coming up 
the road?” remarked Alec, as he turned to the 
left, and prepared to open up again to the limit 
of his engine, since he was now on a good road. 

The strange object was a mile or so away. At 
first he thought it was a hay-wagon, and then 
he decided not. Even in the late summer time 
it was not infrequent that the motorist met such 
a vehicle on the roads around Staunton; but 
they were invariably headed for the town to 
find a market, and never away from there. 

declare if I donT believe it^s a van of 
some sort; but it’s hardly big enough for one 
of Rafferty’s moving wagons. Oh! I wonder 
now,if this can be the old-time home of Stripes?” 

A minute later, and he had cleared half the 
distance between himself and the advancing 
vehicle. Then all doubt was removed, for he 
saw that it was a wagon with iron bars on the 
sides, and carrying half a dozen men. 


206 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


Alec held up his hand to let them know he 
wanted to speak; and managed to drop off his 
motorcycle at the point of contact. 

Looking for a stray tiger?” he asked, cheer- 
fully. 

The circus men stared at each other in as- 
tonishment. 

Because if you are, I can tell you where he 
was only three minutes or so ago, not more 
than five anyhow!” Alec went on. 

Bully for you, young feller!” exclaimed one 
of the brawny men. ^‘We\e been on the hunt 
for old Nero three whole days now, and was just 
going to call it off. They^s a reward of fifty 
dollars for anybody furnishing information that 
leads us to capture him. Just let me have your 
name and address, and IT see as you get the 
flimsies, if so be your clue pans out weU.” 

Thinking of the help that amount might be 
to Jack in the purchase of his motorcycle, Alec 
did not refuse to give his address, as at first 
he was half inclined to do. Then he quickly 
sketched the three little adventures they had 
had 'with, the prowling tiger. 

After closely describing the scene of the last 
bout, so that the men would have no difficulty 
in finding the spot, and commencing operations, 
Alec declared he must be going along. 

They thanked him heartily, and looked aL 


PITY THE POOR TIGER 


207 


most happy over the improved prospect of 
recovering the trained animal that had for 
years been so big an asset in the successful tours 
of the circus and menagerie recently showing 
in Staunton. 

And now it was but a bite for Alec, mounted 
on that fast flying Comet, to eat up the remain- 
ing distance separating him from the home 
town. Soon the outlying buildings began to 
come into view. Swiftly he passed them by, 
and kept on until he found himself in the neigh- 
borhood of Dr. Codling’s house. 

Of course the physician was not at home; nor 
had Alec expected to find him thus easily. 
Entering he quickly told the mother of Freckles 
that all was well up at the camp; but the presence 
of the doctor was urgently needed in order to 
set the broken leg of a man they had chanced 
to come across. And for that reason he wished 
she would get him in touch with her husband 
as speedily as possible. 

Of course, like all mothers, Mrs. Codling 
began to suspect that there might be something 
which was being kept from her. 

“Tell me again, Alec,” she said, nervously, 
“that nothing has happened to Ambrose, and 
that you are not deceiving me.” 

“I give you my word, Mrs. Codling,” he 
said, seriously, ^Hhat it is just as I say. Freckles 


208 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


has done all he can for the man; but the case 
is very serious, and he wants his father to take 
charge.’’ 

He was wise enough not to mention the fact 
that the injured man was an escaped convict. 
It could do no particular good, and such dis- 
quieting news might arouse fresh fears in the 
heart of the fond mother. 

Reassured by his words, for she knew Alec 
to be the essence of truthfulness, she soon got 
him in touch with the doctor, who was just 
then at a certain house. Upon hearing some- 
thing of the facts over the wire he promised to 
return home immediately, and Alec said he 
would wait for him, so as to post him further 
ere he started for Harmony Lake among the 
hiUs. 

Sure enough, before many minutes had 
elapsed, the new car of Dr. Codling came boom- 
ing along the road in a cloud of dust. What 
little he had heard over the wire had certainly 
aroused the curiosity of the gentleman, and he 
was eager to obtain the full particulars. 

Alec told his story as briefly as he could, for 
he knew that the quicker the physician got 
started, the sooner would the intense suffering 
of poor Hans be relieved. Besides, in good 
time no doubt Dr. Codling would hear every- 
thing connected with the affair from the boys 
in camp. 


PITY THE POOR TIGER 


209 


He hurriedly went into the house, to come 
out again with a number of things he thought 
would be needed under the circumstances. Alec 
stayed only long enough to see him start off. 

^^I’m glad I told him about that blooming 
old tiger, and he’s got a gun aboard in case he’s 
held up,” he said to himself as he once more 
took to his motorcycle jto start on his round of 
visits. '^But the chances are, the beast will 
be so disgusted by now with his many mistakes^ 
that he won’t have the heart to try again. 
Those circus men ought to have an easy time 
getting him back in his cage; because he’ll re- 
member that he always had plenty to eat when 
in that thing.” 

So for an hour or so Alec had his hands full; 
but accomplishing all his errands he finally 
started back to camp shortly after one o’clock; 
with several mysterious bundles fastened to 
the sides of the reliable Comet. 


210 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


CHAPTER XXII 

WHAT THE CREVICE HELD 

Hello! Freckles, how’s everything?” 

This was Alec’s salutation to one of his chums, 
as he dropped off his motorcycle close to the 
camp. 

Heard you honking, and came over to meet 
you, Alec,” said the lengthy one, with a broad 
grin. ^^My father got here, and he’s still 
working with Hans, getting him ready for the 
return trip to the pen. Jack is helping him, 
because he wants to hang around Hans as much 
as he can.” 

^^But didn’t I hear a dog give tongue when I 
came along?” remarked Alec. 

^^Sure you did. They’re here, all right,” said 
Freckles, nodding toward the camp. 

^'Oh! you mean the wardens?” observed Alec, 
with a shade of regret on his face. ‘^Well, I 
don’t suppose there was anything else for Hans, 
and so he’ll have to go back to serve out his 
sentence.” 

^^They told us something we didn’t know 
before,” Freckles declared. 


WHAT THE CREVICE HELD 211 


About Hans?” asked the newcomer, quickly. 

^^Sure,” Freckles went on* ^Hhere’s a reward 
offered by the governor to any one supplying 
information leading to the capture of either 
or both of the runaways.” 

don’t like that,” was Alec’s immediate 
response, while the frown grew wider. ^Ht’s 
all very well taking the fifty they offered for 
the capture of the tiger, and I’m going to grab 
it to help Jack get his motorcycle | but blood 
money — ^well, none of us want to touch a cent 
of that! How much is it?” 

'^Five hundred for each,” came Freckles’ 
answer; ^‘and the head warden says we’re en- 
titled to the whole shooting match, because 
only for us neither of the men would have been 
taken.” 

^^They got the other fellow then?” demanded 
Alec. 

^^Oh! easy. The dogs followed his trail, cold 
as it was,” the tall boy remarked, admiringly. 

Pretty good hounds, I think, to do that. 
But about that reward, Alec?” 

“Look here,” said the other, sternly, “I 
don’t imagine you’re giving that even a thought, 
Freckles. It wouldn’t be like a chum of mine 
to dream of taking money for handing a poor 
chap over to such a hard life. What’s on your 
mind? Speak up now and tell me.” 


212 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


''Jack suggested it first; and both Budge and 
me we thought it was a mighty clever idea/’ 
Freckles started saying, a twinkle in his merry 
eye that told his chum there could be no wrong 
motive back of his words. 

"Hurry up and tell me about this idea of 
Jack’s. What does he propose doing? Some- 
thing pretty decent I beg you, because Jack’s 
the boy to have a head for such things. Come, 
spin the yarn. Freckles.” 

"We found out some things while you were 
away,” began the other. "For one, that since 
Hans quit the service of Mr. Kinkaid he’s 
married, and has a little baby girl. That’s 
what’s eating his heart out. It was to see them 
he made this break for liberty.” 

"Yes, that makes it all the harder to think 
of taking money offered for his being caught; 
but hurry up, can’t you. Freckles? You’re 
worse than that ice wagon. Budge, when you 
get to telling an exciting story.” 

"Listen, then,” Freckles continued, impres- 
sively. "Jack said we ought to accept the full 
reward if it came our way; and then turn over 
every cent of it to that poor little wife and baby. 
It will help tide over till Hans gets loose again. 
And he said we ought to hunt them up too, and 
have our folks do something for ’em.” 

Alec whistled to express his astonishment. 


WHAT THE CREVICE HELD 213 


''That's great stujff!" he exclaimed, with a 
sparkle in his eye; "and I'm proud of my chum 
who could think up such things. Say, did Hans 
hear it all?" 

"He sure did, every word of it," replied the 
other. 

"Did he say anything?" Alec went on. 

"He tried to several times, but acted like he 
was too fuU for a single word. I sure saw tears 
rolling down the poor chap's cheeks. I guess 
he thinks Jack Kinkaid is the best fellow that 
ever came down the pike." 

"Which nobody will deny," declared Alec, 
enthusiastically. "Jack ought to be a lawyer, 
for he knows just how to go about things in the 
most diplomatic way I ever heard of. And 
Freckles, believe me, Hans will pay him back 
before he goes away from here, or I miss my 
guess. Think of applying the reward money 
to helping the wife and baby of the escaped 
convict! It's the grandest idea going! Jack is 
sure to win out on that line!" 

"Better come into camp, and have a bite, 
Alec," the other lad observed. "We kept 
things warm for you, expecting you'd be along 
any time. Glad to see you didn't forget the 
necessary grub we wanted so bad. This looks 
like a ham, all right." 

"Which it is, and nothing else. Here, load 


214 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


up with the stuff, while I glue the good old 
Comet to a tree again. I don’t take chances 
any more, while the woods are filled with all 
sorts of queer runaways,” said. Alec. 

^^But what’s all this my dad’s been telling 
us about your meeting up again with Old Black 
and Yellow, and giving him the worst scare 
ever?” Freckles asked, as he stood there with 
his arms full of various packages. 

^^It’s so, all right,” laughed his chum. '^Tell 
you all about it later, when we’re sitting around 
the camp fire, jabbering. I met the circus 
people on the road, with a wagon cage, and set 
them on the track of Nero. They’re likely 
to trap him soon; and I’m promised the fifty 
that’s out for information looking to his being 
caged once more. When I mentioned scruples 
against taking blood money Nero wasn’t in- 
cluded in the deal. And if I get it, Jack will 
be that much nearer his mount for that long 
trip down to North Carolina this fall.” 

Alec found the wardens waiting for the doctor 
to say they could place the injured man in his 
car, and take him to Staunton. They expected 
to have a couple of their number ride back with 
Hans, so as to keep constant watch over him; 
though assured that there was not the remotest 
chance of the poor fellow putting a foot on the 
ground short of a month. 


WHAT THE CREVICE HELD 215 


The doctor seemed a bit loth to leave. Truth 
to tell, the busy man found himself coming in- 
sensibly under the charm of the outdoor life 
which he had not known for lo, these many 
years. But a sense of duty recalled him; 
patients would be disappointed if he remained 
away longer. 

As for the wardens, they were taking things 
easy after their long hunt. Success made them 
satisfied] to remain in the camp just so long as 
circumstances allowed. The boys had fed them 
and every man was of the opinion that the 
lengthy lad had a decided leaning toward being 
a firstclass cook. And the coffee Budge served 
would have been hard to equal. 

Why, even the dogs had lain down, and were 
contented. They looked up when Alec came 
in, as though asking who he might be; but some 
instinct seemed to tell them that the grand hunt 
was at an end, and they were, as Freckles said, 
^^not caring whether school kept or not.’’ 

Jack, Budge and the doctor were hovering 
near the spot where the wounded man lay. 
His broken leg had been nicely set, and the 
doctor promised to get it in a plaster cast as 
soon as they reached town. After that he 
could be removed to the penitentiary at the con- 
venience of the officers. 

It was almost time for the parties to separate. 


216 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


The good doctor had pronounced his work 
completed, in so far as the preliminary part of 
it went. And Jack stood back as the wardens 
came to raise the wounded prisoner, so that he 
could be placed in the tonneau of the new car. 

Presently all was ready. One of the guards 
sat alongside Hans to support him, if necessary, 
while the other had taken a seat with the doctor 
in front by the steering wheel. 

^^Wait!’’ 

It was Hans himself who said this. His eyes 
were fastened on the anxious face of Jack Kin- 
kaid; and there might be seen a trace of a smile 
around them. 

Alec clutched the arm of Freckles. 

^^It^s coming!” he whispered; but none of 
the others noticed either act or words. 

Hans beckoned to Jack to approach, and as 
the boy did so, with a face from which every 
atom of color had fled, the captured fugitive 
held out his right hand. 

^Hf you don’t feel like taking the hand of a 
criminal. Jack, I won’t think it hard of you,” 
he said, brokenly; ^^but I want to thank you for 
saying what you did. If you can help my 
Tillie and the kid like you proposed I’ll never, 
never forget it, I give you my word. Tell the 
poor little girl that if I live to come out of this 
I’m sure going to be the kind of man she’ll be 
proud of.” 


WHAT THE CREVICE HELD 217 


Jack seized his hand and squeezed it. He 
wanted to say something — to ask Hans that one 
question which meant so much to his father; 
but somehow it seemed as if his tongue were 
glued to the roof of his mouth, for all the sound 
he was capable of making. 

But there was no absolute need. If neces- 
sary he could see Hans later, could even pay 
him a visit in the penitentiary, to bring him 
happy news concerning those who were dear to 
him; and at such a time surely the convict 
would not refuse his request. 

The man looked into his face. There were 
tears in his eyes, all unused to showing signs 
of any such weakness. 

Hans drew Jack close to him, and bending 
his head said in his ear: 

“I know what^s in your heart, boy, and I^m 
going to do what little I can to make amends 
for the wreck my revengeful act caused in the 
family of the best friend I ever had among men. 
When I’m gone away from here, Jack, do you 
climb up to that ledge where I was hiding. It’s 
an old snuggery of mine, and my cousin Gid 
knew about it. Look in the cleft there, Jack. 
Perhaps you’ll find something hidden in that 
crevice that will please you. Good-by! Give 
Tillie my love, and the message I sent. I mean 
it every word, boy, every word!” 


218 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


Then the doctor opened up, and the car 
started off. It passed from their sight pres- 
ently; but before this happened, in spite of the 
pain such action might cause him, the recaptured 
convict raised himself from his seat, twisted 
half way around, and waved a last good-by to 
the boys who, in one way, had been the direct 
cause of his being retaken. 

Jack fairly flew over to the tree that had 
occupied so strange a place in many of the thrill- 
ing happenings of the last few days and nights. 

Alec had not heard the words whispered in 
the ear of his chum; but he had a lively imagina- 
tion, and could easily guess what their nature 
must be. So he immediately set out after 
Jack; and Freckles, not to be left in the lurch, 
proceeded to also climb the tree. 

^^Hey! what ails you, fellows?^’ bawled the 
wondering Budge. “DonT tell me that measly 
old tiger’s come to town again, and the lot of 
you have took to the tall timber? Cracky! 
in that case I’d better be laying hold of the gun, 
and get ready to blow his blooming old tail 
off I” 

Nobody paid any attention to what Budge 
was saying. He could never have accomplished 
that difficult climb anyway; for after passing 
the crotch where the ham had been tied, there 
Was a long smooth place destitute of limbs, that 


WHAT THE CREVICE HELD 219 


must prove an effectual bar to Budge’s climbing 
aspirations. 

But Alec had done it before, and was ready 
to duplicate his previous performance; while 
Jack, spurred on by the eager longing that 
possessed his hungry soul, seemed to count that 
obstacle as of no moment. 

He w^ent up like a monkey. Alec saw him 
drag himself over the edge of the ledge; and when 
a minute later he also managed to gain the 
shelf, it was to see Jack emerge from a crevice 
in the face of the solid rock at the back. He 
held something in his hand that looked like a 
packet of papers, and was nervously trying to 
examine the same. 

Then the anxious Alec heard him give vent 
to a sigh that seemed to well up from his very 
heart. 

^^What luck. Jack?” he demanded. 

^^The very finest, Alec,” came the joyous 
response. 

You’ve recovered the missing drawing design 
that was the keynote of your father’s wonder- 
ful little invention, and which he could never 
think up again just right. Is that it, old chap?” 
asked the other, as Freckles arrived on the 
scene. 

Yes, I’ve got here in my hand the lost draw- 
ing that means life and health and fortune to my 
dearest dad. Oh! boys, I’m sure the happiest 


220 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


fellow on the face of this earth today cried 
Jack. 

The others laughed joyously. 

said Alec, ^^you may think you are, 
Jack; but there’s three chums of yours that 
believe they’ve got a right to feel the same way. 
It’s bully all around!” 


GOOD NEWS 


221 


CHAPTER XXIII 

GOOD NEWS 

Of course Alec knew what must follow. 

They could not hope to keep Jack Kinkaid 
in camp for the balance of the time they had 
figured on staying there at Harmony Lake. 

“Take my machine, and run down home, 
Jack,” said Alec. “The promise we made is 
all off now; and besides, this is a case of neces- 
sity equal to the errand that dragged me after 
Freckles’ dad. Stay all night with your people; 
but if you can break away tomorrow, just un- 
derstand that we’ll be looking for you; and that 
things won’t seem just all they should with the 
rest of the bunch, till you get back again.” 

Jack was smiling perpetually now. It seemed 
to him that the clouds had indeed rolled away, 
and the sun shone as never before. All Nature 
looked beautiful, in his happy eyes. Never 
before had the birds sung quite so joyously, 
or the foliage of the mountains seemed as beauti- 
ful. For his heart was filled with thanksgiving, 
because he knew that the cloud would surely 


222 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


be lifted from the mind of the father whom he 
loved so devotedly. 

He lost little time in getting away, and the 
others gave him a rousing send-off. 

Better not think of returning tonight, Jack,^^ 
Alec had said at the last moment, ‘^you’ll find 
a thousand things to talk about at home. And 
altogether, fellows, it looks as though those 
three fine motorcycles might be in sight. Given 
another month or so, and I’ll have to be order- 
ing them.” 

^^Yes,” remarked Budge, '^you’re right, Alec. 
But there was a dark time, you know, when I 
began to fear that my chances weren’t as good 
as they might be. But it proved that my long 
head didn’t fail me, and that gas wasn’t eating 
up my little roll of spuds as I thought.” ' 

Nobody made any remark, only Jack and Alec 
exchanged expressive glances, knowing as they 
did upon what unsafe grounds poor Budge was 
building his air castles. 

“It’ll be a shock to the poor chap,” whispered 
Jack. 

“Oh! he can stand it; and besides, we’ll talk 
to his dad about it. You know Mr. Clifford is 
a jolly old gentleman; and when we tell him the 
fun we’ve had; and how Budge is improving 
so fast in learning to take care of himself, the 
chances are ten to one he’ll never try to carry 


GOOD NEWS 


223 


out that threat. Budge has been punished 
quite enough. He^s worried, and that^s the 
worst v/ay of paying up debts.’^ 

That night there were only three of the motor- 
cycle chums in camp. But no longer did they 
have to worry over anything; for just before 
dark Alec heard the wireless calling; and having 
been instructed in a measure by Jack how to 
manipulate the business, and slowly read the 
letters that were sounded in those loud clicks, 
he presently came running down to camp with 
the latest news. 

^^Jack just called me up, fellows,’^ he an- 
nounced, proudly. “I managed to make out 
what he was sending, too, from over at Bud 
Perkaiser^s house. They got him first clip; 
soon as he saw his old trainer the tiger walked 
up to him, and asked to be put back in his cage. 
Anyhow he^s shut up tight again, and happy 
because he^s had a good old square feed at last.^' 

^^Hurrah!^^ shouted Budge, throwing up his 
cap with enthusiasm. ^^^So there goes the very 
last straw in our trouble jar. No longer will 
I have to sit up half the night keeping watch, 
while my poor sleepy chums snatch a few winks. 
But fellows, really and trully it^s going to take 
me a long time to make up for what sleep IVe 
lost since we started out on this little picnic!^' 

Freckles started to make some sort of sar- 


224 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


castic remark; but apparently thinking better 
of it, only grinned, and shook his head, as 
though he believed that Budge must be getting 
hopeless. 

Of course Jack came back on the morrow. He 
was looking so radiant that Alec declared there 
was no need of asking what the result of his 
trip had been. 

Father is like a new man already,^’ Jack 
said; “as soon as he had that paper in his hand 
everything seemed to come back to him. IVe 
no need of worrying about him. And that little 
Kinkaid engine will soon be astonishing the 
world of sport; because it’s the greatest thing 
ever invented.” 

“What about Hans?” asked Alec. 

“Father finished with him, and they took 
him back. I didn’t see him again; but they told 
me he wasn’t the same sour man as before. 
Hans is seeing a great light. And I sent a 
letter to his wife, telling her to come to Staun- 
ton; that friends wanted to assist her. Your 
father gave me twenty dollars to enclose, 
Freckles. He was touched by the story of Hans, 
and says he’s going to do everything he can to 
get the governor, an old friend of his, to pardon 
the poor chap.” 

“That sounds like good news. Jack,” de- 
clared Alec. 


GOOD NEWS 


225 


^^And let me tell you, fellows/^ declared 
Freckles, positively; ^^that when my dad puts 
his mind to a thing, it’s just got to move. Mark 
my word, Hans will be out of that place before 
snow flies again.” 

After that there was nothing to be done but 
enjoy each passing day, after the manner of 
happy lads in camp. They fished and swam 
to their hearts’ content; and even Budge began 
to evince an interest in the art of cookery. 

^H’m going to get our girl to show me how to 
do lots of things, boys,” he surprised them by 
saying one day. We’ve got a bang-up cook- 
book home too, and I’m going to study that up. 
First place, I think everybody ought to know 
how to cook a little. Might save their life 
some day, if they happened to get lost in the 
woods, you know. Then there’s another thing 
I’ve got in mind, if I’m lucky enough to be 
along when you start for that trip to Dixie this 
fall.” 

What’s that about, Budge?” demanded 
Freckles, grinning. 

Why,” the fat boy went on, ^H’ve been read- 
ing so much about roast ’possum and sweet 
potatoes that I’m just hankering to try it. My 
mouth fairly waters for a taste of the prize 
Southern dish. And I want to know all about 
cooking the game, so if we happen to run across 


226 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


a fat ’possum I might give you a treat you’d 
never forget.” 

^^Hear! hear! Budge is waking up, fellows!” 
cried Freckles, elevating both hands to indicate 
intense interest in what concerned future meals. 

And so they passed the time away, until 
finally the hour arrived when they had counted 
on breaking camp, to return once more to their 
several homes. 

^^I’m glad, and I’m sorry!” Jack declared as 
he helped pack the tent in the old “White 
Elephant,” which he had repaired so thoroughly 
that it was hoped there might be no breakdown 
until the town was reached. 

“Same here!” echoed Freckles. “I want to 
see my folks all right ■ but my heart’s going to 
turn this way many times, as I picture the jolly 
old place, with all we had happen to us up here 
at Harmony.” 

Alec could hardly echo the thought that 
animated the others, for he was an orphan, with 
not a near relative in the world, that he knew of. 
Still, he thought a great deal of his guardian, 
Mr. Worthington, who was always kind and 
generous to him. 

It was with shouts and laughter that they 
finally quitted the scene of their week’s sport — 
Camp Surprise it would always be known in their 
minds; because, as Freckles declared, for the 


GOOD NEWS 


227 


first few days they had done little else than meet 
up with one astonisher after another. 

But this outing was destined to be only a 
little foretaste to others which were in store for 
the motorcycle chums. In the near future they 
were planning a much more ambitious trip, 
particulars of which will be given in the suc- 
ceeding volume of this series. 

The wife of Hans, a pretty and sweet young 
woman, with a darling little baby, came to the 
home of Dr. Codling in response to that letter 
Jack sent. Friends soon made her fairly con- 
tented and happy. She found congenial em- 
ployment in sewing, and was able to easily 
support herself. 

Jack made a persistent effort, and through 
the influence of Dr. Codling the reward offered 
by the state for the recapture of the escaped 
convicts was paid over to the boys; and by them 
publicly transferred to the wife of Hans. 

Whether Freckles^ father would be successful 
in getting his friend the governor to pardon 
Hans in the fall, no one could say; but he made 
several visits to the capital; and on his return 
the last time smiled mysteriously when ques- 
tioned; so the eager boys made up their minds 
things were working, and that Tillie’s husband 
might soon be restored to his waiting family. 

As for Gid Staples, none of them ever knew 


228 MOTORCYCLE CHUMS AFIELD 


just what he had meant to do when he came 
up to Harmony Lake. He returned to Staun- 
ton, but kept close lips, possibly for fear lest 
he get himself in trouble with the authorities, 
on the score of having tried to assist a runaway 
convict to avoid recapture. 

In good time Budge learned about his error 
in connection with the burning of the three 
gas jets; but his father forgave him, and hence 
he did not grieve. But he never ceased to be- 
lieve that Jack and Alec, perhaps Freckles also, 
knew the truth while still in camp. 

Just one month later, before the opening of 
autumn, three magnificent motorcycles, the im- 
age of Alec’s, arrived in Staunton; and three 
boys found it diflicult to get their usual amount 
of sleep that night, for thinking of the great 
times they expected to have when they had 
fully mastered the various devices connected 
with such up-to-date machines calculated to go 
a mile a minute under favorable conditions. 

Just what an important part these same 
motorcycles were destined to play in the near 
future of these four comrades, will have to be 
left to the next story of this series, now pub- 
lished, and entitled: ^^The Motorcycle Chums 
in the Land of the Sky; or, the Young Moon- 
shiner’s Secret.” 


THE END. 


THE BENNINGTON CASE. 


Thebe was little that Inspector Bassett did not 
know about the methods of conducting a post-office. 
In the matter of accounts he was excelled by none ' 
and equalled by few. I used to think he was so 
expert that he could tell by looking at a postmaster 
whether or not the accounts of his office would balance. 
Bassett was active both in mind and body, and there 
was seldom a false motion or figure he would not ^ 
catch instantly ; and so good was his record at the 
Department in this respect, and in all others, that it 
Was often remarked that nothing could escape him. 
The reputation had been earned, and, as I have said, 
it was most admirably sustained. 

In his customary business style he stepped into the 
post-office at Bennington, Vermont, one day about 
noon, for the purpose of checking up the accounts of 
the postmaster. The postmaster’s name at that par- 
ticular moment was Thomas J. Bronson, to whom the 
Inspector introduced himself in the usual manner, 
and added that he had called to look over his books, 
inventory the stock on hand and make him a pleasant 
visit. Bronson, after telling Bassett that he was very 
glad indeed to meet him, and delighted to think he had 
called to look him over, suggested that, as it was so 


12 


THE BENNINGTON CASE. 


near the dinner hour, perhaps they had better go and 
serve the inner man before they attempted to work the 
mental man ; adding, that had he known he was com- 
ing he would have told Mrs. Bronson, so that her 
table would have been prepared for one more than 
usual. The arrangement was satisfactory, and Bas- 
sett went to the hotel and Bronson to his home. 

It was not long, however, before the Inspector had 
returned to the office, where he was chatting with the 
clerks, momentarily expecting Bronson. At length 
an hour had passed since his return, and still no sign 
of Bronson. Could he be sick ? One of the clerks 
went to his residence to ascertain, and soon returned 
with the information that Mrs. Bronson had informed 
him that the postmaster ate lightly and returned to 
the office much quicker than usual. Where could 
he be? 

Inquiry was made at the hotels, stores and shops, 
and no one had seen him. The news of his remark- 
able disappearance spread to every corner of the 
town, and every idle person joined in the searcJi. 
Finally, a farmer drove in on the road leading from 
the south and observing the unusual activity on the 
streets, asked what was up, and when he was informed 
that Bronson could not be found, he imparted the 
thrilling intelligence that, at a point about two miles 
from Bennington, he “ met two men in a carriage, be- 
hind two horses, driving like the deuce, and unless 
he was all-firedly mistaken one of the fellows was 
Tom Bronson.” 

This so electrified the people of Bennington that 


THE BENNINGTON CASE. 


13 


they scarcely knew what to do or, which way to 
turn ; and one of them told me afterward, when de- 
scribing the scene, that while Bassett was quizzing 
the farmer in front of the hotel, he appeared dazed 
at what had occurred, while everybody was crowding 
closer to catch the conversation. There had been no 
such excitement in Bennington since the fall of 
Sumter. 

Recovering slightly from his unconsciousness, 
the Inspector ordered the fleetest steed in town, and 
was soon pursuing the fleeing postmaster in hot haste. 
Arriving at Hoosick Junction, the nearest railroad 
station in that direction, Bassett learned positively 
that Bronson had left on a train bound eastward, 
which passed about half an hour or so before. Time 
was precious. He could be intercepted at North 
Adams. Bassett was at home working the telegraph, 
and when the operator at North Adams settled down 
to take the message that Bassett was furiously firing 
at him, he thought that old Ben Franklin himself 
was at the Hoosick Junction end. The train came 
too soon for the excited operator, and, before he could 
execute the command, it had gone, and with it Bron- 
son. When the cheerless intelligence was wired 
back to Mr. Franklin at Hoosick Junction that the 
man described was not on the train, Bassett closed 
the key with a bang and turned towards Bennington 
with a heavy heart. This was his first disappoint- 
ment, and, although it had occurred through no fault 
of his, he would rather have lost anything, every- 
thing, than Bronson. 


4 


THE BENNINGTON CASE. 


Bronson had lived in Bennington all his life, and wa? 
now probably forty-five. He was a friend to every 
body and e verybody was a friend to him. No stronger 
illustration of this condition was ever known. His 
friends were everywhere, and, had he told them he was 
in trouble, his wants would have been quickly sup- 
plied. But he did not, neither does any one know to 
this day the real cause of his misfortunes. 

The finances of the post-office were found to be de* 
cidedly out of tune, and when Bassett was through he 
could see quite plainly why Bronson had suggested 
dinner before business. It was also discovered by the 
school trustees, to whose board Bronson belonged, and 
for whom he had acted in the capacity of treasurer, that 
there was also a discrepancy in the school fund of a 
few thousand. When these facts became known, 
every man in Bennington wore the aspect of a 
mourner. Surprise and pity walked hand in hand. 

Bassett worked assiduously and faithfully foi 
months searching for Bronson. Both in and out ot 
Bennington — everywhere was he hunting for clues. 
Frequently he thought he could place him, only to 
find nothing when the theory was exhausted. Yet 
with all his efforts and disappointments he never 
wearied. At length it occurred to him that if another 
person could be detailed to aid him — some one who 
was an entire stranger in Bennington and vicinity — 
good results might follow. I was the one selected, 
and, after having been told by Bassett all he kne^s 
about the case, I quietly turned up in Bennington’ 


TRS BENNINGTON CASE. 


15 


Of course I could not tell you, in a short story like 
this, the many and interesting details of my work in 
Vermont. My object was to find somebody, some 
friend of Bronson’s, who, in an unguarded moment, 
might drop some little word that would possibly re- 
veal the secret of Bronson’s whereabouts. It was 
not the work of a day or a week, but of months. No 
one knew my right name, and no one knew my real 
business. I never talked of Bronson, but I listened 
intently whenever his name was mentioned, and also 
tried to be on familiar terms with those who liked t« 
talk about him to their associates and townspeople. 

I learned quickly that only a few, if any, of his old 
companions actually knew where he was. His wife 
and child might know, though there was not the slight- 
est evidence that they did. The mysterious hiding- 
place was, I sometimes feared, beyond the grave. In 
my intercourse with the people, however, I had 
settled one fact conclusively, and that was that Bron- 
son had for years expressed a desire to live in the far 
west, and he had told several persons that when he 
did decide to leave Bennington he should settle on a 
ranch somewhere. Could he have followed his in- 
clinations, and was he not now realizing the antici- 
pations of his better days ? 

One beautiful evening in the early autumn the 
first ray of success dawned upon a long and patient 
waiting. I had been told by one who knew that 
Bronson was alive. Who it was that told me, or 
how the secret came to be told, no one save Bassett 
and myself knows. The person who imparted the 


16 


THE BENNINGTON CASE, 


information is to this day unconscious of it, and 
should he read these lines he would be unable to 
recall any instance or circumstance that would serve 
to brighten his recollection. I also learned a little 
more than that Bronson was alive. I ascertained 
beyond a question that he was actually on a sheep 
ranch in Colorado. I did not think it possible for 
me to obtain anything more specific, and, having 
faith that this would answer, I hastily sought an 
interview with Bassett, promised to meet him ten 
days hence in Denver, and, turning my face toward 
the setting sun, followed the course of the Star of 
the Empire. 

Entering Colorado from the south-east, clad in a 
festive suit of corduroy, with a sombrero and Smith 
and Wesson attachment, I set forth among the ranches 
and ranchers, wool buyers and commission men, with 
a good photograph of Tom Bronson. Some of the 
journeys were long and tedious, yet, sustained by 
faith, which some days was a trifle faltering, I pressed 
on for seven days without meeting a man, woman or 
child who had ever seen a person that looked like 
Bronson, or who had ever heard of him. Partly for 
the purpose of rest, but chiefly for the purpose of 
meeting Bassett, I went to Denver, where I arrived 
with no information of importance to impart, except 
such as pertained to ranches and the sheep industry 
generally. 

During the day in Denver we learned from an 
extensive wool buyer that many people from Vermont 
are engaged in raising sheep and wool in the vicinity 


THE BENNINGTON CASE, 


17 


of Fort Collins and Greeley. We were also informed 
that it would be a very easy task to ascertain 
whether or not our man was in the Greeley region, 
as the sheriff at Greeley was an old ranchman as 
well as a buyer, and his business now was such that 
it enabled him to continue well posted on the import- 
ant question of ranches, ranchmen and herders. 
We immediately proceeded to Greeley, and I will 
relate what occurred after we arrived. 

In our room at the hotel we met the sheriff and 
the postmaster for consultation. The postmaster 
was confident he had seen a face that resembled 
Bronson’s. The sheriff was equally confident that 
he had not, but he knew of a man, who owned a 
ranch, and who lived about fifteen miles to the east 
ward, who formerly resided somewhere in Vermont, 
that wolild know Bronson if there was such a man 
In this section of the State. He said if the case was 
his he should go straightway to this man, and, if he 
Aid not know him, he did not chink it would be much 
ase to spend more time around Greeley. We ac- 
cepted the sheriff’s kind advice. 

Arriving at the ranch, where dwelt the man who 
was supposed to know it all, we obtained very little 
satisfaction indeed. It was the oft-repeated tale I 
had heard a hundred times or more. He didn’t 
know, but he thought somebody else who lived about 
twenty miles north could put his finger on the very 
nan, and, of course, we drove twenty miles farther 
CO be informed that he never saw, heard or dreamed 
of such a person. He suggested that we call on a 


18 


TBE BENNINGTON CASE, 


certaim physician in Greeley, who could give vf' 
“straight tips” on Vermont people in Northerr 
Colorado. “The doctor,” he said, “once resided in 
Vermont, where he was a very prominent man. Re- 
cently he engineered a New England dinner given 
in Greeley, at which there were more than two hun- 
dred guests, who at one time or another had lived some- 
where in the Eastern States.” “ If I was looking foi 
anybody from Vermont in this part of the countryj” h€ 
observed, “ I should call on the doctor, for he knows 
where they all are.” We returned to Greeley lat< 
that night and decided to see the doctor on the fol 
lowing morning. 

The doctor informed us that while he was living 
in Castleton he knew Bronson well. Had not seen 
him in ten or twelve years, that he knew of. Had 
read in the papers about the trouble at Bennington, 
but had never seen anybody before who thought Bron 
son was in Colorado, much less in this section. Wai 
very positive he was not at the New England dinner. 
Upon reflection he said it did occur to him that there 
was a stranger there who came with some one from 
Fort Collins, but his name was not Bronson, though 
possibly it may have been Bronson under another 
name. If it was his case he should go over to Fort 
Collins and hunt for the stranger who was at the 
dinner. We decided not to hunt for the stranger 
till we had first talked with every person in Greeley 
who had formerly resided in Vermont. We procured 
a list of these people from the doctor, a part of which 
Bassett took, and the other portion fell to me. We 


THE BENNINGTON CASE. 


19 


were to see and talk with every one of the people 
named. 

The first name on my list was that of a Mr. Child, 
He owned a comfortable little home in town and a 
farm just outside. I went to his house, where I met 
Mrs. Child and her daughter ; the husband being ab- 
sent, but expected back soon. Much to my surprise 
she told me that she used to live in Bennington ; that 
she and her husband and their little son, who was now 
the village telegraph operator, moved from Benning- 
ton about fifteen years before ; that they came to 
Greeley because in every deed given for property 
here there is a clause which binds and prevents the 
purchaser, his heirs or assigns from ever allowing a 
drop of liquor to be sold on the premises for any pur- 
^pose. She told me she knew Mr. Bronson quite well 
in Bennington, and that her husband had been on im 
timate terms with him. 

Presently Mr. Child came. He was exceedingly 
courteous, and every inch a gentleman, well informed. 

He remembered Bronson distinctly. Saw him every 
day for years and sat with him in the same lodge in 
Bennington long, long ago. The picture did not look 
as Tom used to. Time had left a few wrinkles here 
and there ; the face was, perhaps, a little fuller and 
the silver hairs that could be seen were not there 
then, yet he thought he would recognize it' as Tom 
Bronson. He had taken the Bennington paper ever 
since he came west and was very familiar with all 
that had happened in Bennington, especially all that 
had ever been mentioned in print. 


20 


THE BENNINGTON CASE. 


He did Dot think it could be possible that Bronson 
was in the vicinity of Greeley, yet, like the post- 
master, the more he reflected the more and more he 
believed he had seen that face somewhere within a 
short time. Besides being very entertaining, the 
Child family was giving me more information than 
any people I had met, and, feeling that I should not 
hurry away, at least for manners’ sake, I remained to 
dinner. The family and myself were enjoying a so- 
cial visit, as well as a feast of good things prepared 
by Mrs. Child, when suddenly the lady, looking across 
the table at her husband, said : “ Father, do you re- 
member that at the time Mr. Carter called and spent 
the evening here, about six weeks ago, he related the 
story about a man coming to one of the ranches, 
owned by Currier, in which Mr. Carter has an in- 
terest, who wanted to hire out to herd sheep ? ” 

Mr. Child did remember that Mr. Carter told a story 
about such a man, but his recollection as to what he 
said was very indistinct indeed. 

I remember,” continued Mrs. Child, “ that he said 
the man said he was from New England, and that he 
had come west to learn all the details about the sheep 
and ranch business, so that in a year or so he would 
be prepared to buy a ranch and follow the business 
on his own account. I remember also that Mr. Carter 
said they thought he had seen better days, and that, 
partially through pity, they employed him ; he proved 
to be a valuable herder, and, at the time Mr. Carter 
was here, the man was still on the ranch.” 

I had become deeply impressed with the story of 
the strange man, and instantly asked where the 


THE BENNINGTON CASE. 21 

ranch was located, and where Mr. Carter could be 
seen. 

“ The ranch,” said Mr. Child, “ is about twenty 
seven miles from Greeley, but I think Mr. Carter can 
be seen at his store, which is about three blocks 
distant from where we are now sitting.” 

I could scarcely wait for dinner to be over before I 
asked Mr. Child if he would not be kind enough to 
take Bronson’s picture around to the store and quietly 
ask Mr. Carter if he ever saw the man the picture 
represented. “ If he answers in the affirmative,” I 
said, “ simply ask him what his name is and where he 
may be found. Do not tell him why you ask.” 

The family, as well as myself, awaited with great 
anxiety Mr. Carter’s reply. But the suspense was 
brief, for, we had scarcely withdrawn from the table 
before Mr. Child returned in great haste, and with 
barely breath sufficient to say : “ That’s your man. 
His name is George Hastings, and he is now at 
Currier’s upper ranch.” 

Where was Bassett ? I must find him without 
delay and tell him the good news. Glancing up the 
street I saw him coming, and as he approached he 
asked in a happy manner if I intended to spend all of 
the remaining autumn and winter months with the 
Child family. I answered that if the length of my 
stay was measured by the information I had gathered 
here, in comparison with my success at other places, 
I would remain with the Child family till spring, at 
least. 

I then proceeded to break the news to him gently. 
Although he had known me a long time, and had never 


22 


THE BENNINGTON CASE, 


known me to deceive or tell a lie, it was necessary on 
this occasion for me to have my statements verified 
by every member of the Child family and some of 
their neighbors before he would accept them. He 
had been around all the forenoon with a lot of Ver- 
monters who had never heard of Bronson, and the 
result was that he had become decidedly skeptical. 
He soon recovered, however, and we set about pre- 
paring for the trip to Currier’s upper ranch. 

It was about three o’clock when we got away. A pair 
of small horses, a two-seated light wagon, and a cheer- 
ful driver accompanied us. We expected to make 
the distance in about three hours when we started, 
but by the time we had made the first four miles it 
was very apparent to the anxious passengers that it 
would require about three days with fair winds. The 
horses were too small, too weak, too slow, and just a 
little too lazy to win golden opinions from strangers ; 
but it should be said to their credit that the roads 
were sandy. The driver was the best informed man 
— excepting Mr. Child — that I had drawn into con- 
versation in Colorado. Only for his ceaseless flow of 
wisdom, and Bassett’s sweet melodies, I would have 
given up in despair and thrown myself overboard. 

At half-past seven, the man on the forecastle an- 
nounced a light ahead, and, when he informed us it 
was at Currier’s, there was great rejoicing. You, 
who know how deceiving distances are in that country, 
will not be surprised when I tell you that we did not 
reach the light till nine o’clock. It shone from a 
imall window in the only house for many miles 
Around. It was the only beacon by whick mariners 


THE BENNINGTON CASE. 


23 


t>n the boundless prairie guided their frail craft at 
night, and, as before stated, it was Currier’s. The 
little rude domicile was the home of the superintend- 
ent of the ranch, and it was here that the herders 
partook of their morning and evening meals, while 
their flocks were secured in the corrals near by. We 
drove as closely to the house as possible, without 
attracting attention, while Bassett stole up softly 
through the darkness, to get a look through the win- 
dow. He returned hastily and announced : “ He is 
there, leaning back in his chair, against the wall on 
the opposite side of the room, peacefully smoking.” 

Could it be possible that the object of our search 
was now within our reach ? It seemed as if there 
must be some mistake as there had been so many 
times before. But no ! Bassett says he is there and 
that he’s wearing the same happy expression that he 
wore away with him, the first and only time he ever 
met him. “ Come, we must go in and apprise him 
that the time has come for him to leave the ranch.” A 
moment later we had entered without knocking and 
Bassett was standing face to face with Bronson, who 
appeared almost speechless with surprise. 

“ Bronson,” said Bassett as he was reaching for a 
pair of handcuffs, “ don’t you know me, and don’t 
you think it is about time you returned from dinner?” 

“Yes,” said Bronson, “ I recognize you. You are 
the last person I could forget,” and, as he raised his 
hands to receive the iron wristlets, he added, “ and 
you have not looked for me with more anxiety than 
I have for you. I’m glad you’ve come, and I’ll 
cheerfully ” 


24 


THE BENNINGTON CASE. 


Besides those I have mentioned there were present 
the superintendent and his wife and two young men, 
who with George Hastings, as Bronson was known, 
were the herders. Great was their surprise at the 
strange proceedings, and it required no little argu- 
ment to convince them that George Hastings was not 
Bronson’s name, and that we could not be mistaken. 
When Bronson had assured everybody present that 
he was the man, and that he was willing to go, the 
assemblage become more cheerful, and we were in- 
vited to partake of the best the house afforded. A 
very hospitable supper was prepared, and highly en- 
joyed, while the horses were being nourished and 
Bronson was packing up. It was a lively night at 
the upper ranch, and, at about midnight, when we 
were ready to bid farewell to the scene forever, 
sympathy and tears were bestowed upon poor George 
Hastings as they had never been before. As was Tom 
Bronson a favorite in Bennington, so was George 
Hastings on the ranch. 

The trip back to Greeley was a weary one, though 
more enjoyed than was the one going out. Bronson 
told his sad experiences since he left home, and I 
assure you, they were listened to with much interest. 
Some of them had been painful, and were further 
illustrations that the way of the transgressor is hard. 
Of late he had written to his wife once each month. 
He sent the letters to a friend in Denver, who for- 
warded them to a cousin of Bronson’s residing in 
Madrid, N. Y,, who in time would forward them to 
another relative in Burlington, Vermont, and this 


THE BENNINGTON VASE. 25 

person would send them to Mrs. Bronson, who was 
then in Rutland, by messenger. 

His life on the ranche had been so unpleasant and 
distasteful that he courted relief in any form. His 
duties were to go out at break of day with a flock of 
sixteen hundred sheep,, remain with them all the live- 
long day alone, exposed to the rays of a bright sun, 
unable to read or find a cooling drink or a comfort- 
able shade. At nightfall his flocks were driven back 
to the corral, and, after a scanty meal, the shepherd 
turned in to rest on the soft side of a bench in a straw 
covered coop adjoining the sheep pens. And all this 
for something like $25 per month. Is it any wonder 
that more sheep-herders commit suicide than any 
other class of people, and is it any wonder that Tom 
Bronson was glad to leave ? 

The morning was well advanced when we had re- 
turned to Greeley. Our arrival, as well as our mis- 
sion, was soon known by all the villagers, and by train 
time many had gathered at the station to see us off, 
among whom were Mr. and Mrs. Child, the doctor, 
the postmaster, the sheriff and the landlord. Bronson 
renewed the acquaintance of those who knew liim in 
Vermont, and was introduced to many others he had 
never seen before. After assuring the doctor that he 
was not present at the New England dinner, Bronson 
bade them all good-bye, and soon we were steaming 
rapidly toward Denver. 

Our journey back to Vermont was uneventful. 
When we arrived, the United States Court was in 
session in Rutland, and, without delay, at his request, 
Bronson was arraigned, plead guilty, and was sem 


26 


THE BENNINGTON CASE. 


tenced to pay a fine of $5,000 and be imprisoned for five 
years. When he entered the prison he told the 
warden that that was the first real happy moment he 
had seen since he left Bennington. 

Having no sheep to look after in the prison, the 
warden made Bronson chief bookkeeper, and in that 
capacity he is still serving. He sent word to Bassett 
not long ago that his books were often inspected, and 
that they always balanced to a farthing. 


JOHN STRTNGHAM’S VISITORS. 


Jeksey City is a queer old town, famous for its 
poor streets and high taxes, yet it contains many 
good people, and among the best and bravest is John 
Stringham. John was a soldier bold in times of 
war, and, besides carrying upon his person the 
scars of many a hard-fought battle, he is the proud 
possessor of as honorable a record as any veteran in 
Hudson County. There may be more learned men 
than Stringham, but none who have served their 
country more faithfully and received less for it. 
Time has not dimmed his eyesight nor daunted his 
courage, but his wounds have slightly affected his 
nerves, so that no longer is his hand and aim as 
steady as in boyhood, when he was known as the 
William Tell of Jersey. 

As a reward for his patriotic services to his coun- 
try, at the earnest solicitation of every patriot in town, 
Stringham was appointed to the honorable position 
of night watchman in the post-office. The great build- 
ing which he was to watch and protect was once the 
home of a wealthy gentleman, who, when he became 
tired of it, sold it to Uncle Sam ; and inasmuch as it 
was erected for private and not public purposes, it 
contained more cellars and sub-cellars, chambers and 

27 


28 


JOHN ^TBINGHAM^'S VISITORS. 


ante-chambers, dark hallways, huge airshafts, and 
mysterious recesses than are required in a well regu- 
lated post-office, and more than any one ordinary 
watchman, or even a Stringham, could faithfully 
watch, especially in the dark hours of night, and, of 
course, in — Jersey City. 

The life of a night watchman in such a place, as 
the reader can fancy, is not a pleasant one, and had 
not Stringham’s qualifications for such an important 
trust been so marked, he might possibly have been 
made postmaster instead. Thus was merit rewarded. 
But Stringham, renowned as he was, with an exalted 
estimation of his fearlessness and faithfulness, did not 
feel competent to watch the post-office at night alone. 
He felt that it was more than any able-bodied man 
could do, and do well, to perambulate through the 
dark and dismal passages, the ornamental caverns, 
the wine cellars and stables looking for tramps, robbers 
and irregularities — to say nothing about keeping up 
the fires. So it was that the veteran, as a matter of 
sheer necessity rather than a motive of safety, kept 
constantly with him, besides his six shooter (also a 
time-tried veteran), his faithful watch-dog Major. 

The last night in January 1887 found the affairs 
of the office working satisfactorily, and when String- 
ham came at eight o’clock to assume his duties for the 
night, the remaining clerks were tying out packages 
of letters and singing love songs. The whole at- 
mosphere of the place was laden with peace and con- 
tentment. Stringham usually found the affairs of 
the office quiet and peaceful, but on this occasion 
they were so hopeful and serene that when he sat 


JOHN STEINGHAM^S VISITOBS. 


29 


down to light his pipe and converse with Major the 
picture was one of happiness unalloyed. But it was 
the dead calm before the storm — the gentle zephyr 
before the cyclone. 

One by one the clerks had completed their tasks 
and departed, while Major, who was an acknowledged 
enemy of idle triflers and evil doers, had been allowed 
to roam about in the highly enclosed yard in the 
rear. The last employ^ left at eleven o’clock, and, 
as was his custom, Stringham accompanied him to 
the door, bolted the same, turned down the lights and 
proceeded to the rear door to call his faithful com- 
panion. Major came quickly, and as he passed into 
the long hallway he crouched almost to the floor and 
growled as his master had never heard him before. 
Soothing words affectionately applied only added fury 
to the language and actions of the animal. 

Thinking perhaps that only the bad boys had been 
worrying the dog through the fence, Stringham return- 
ed to the mailing room in his customary cheerfulness, 
humming his favorite Dixie, while Major was snarling 
at his feet. He had been absent from the room possibly 
a minute, but during that brief period unexpected visi- 
tors had noiselessly entered from some mysterious 
rendezvous, and when the warrior watchman proudly 
returned he beheld, to his horror and astonishment, 
flve masked burglars drawn up in battle array around 
a mailing case. 

Quick as a flash the old soldier grabbed his weapon 
and opened fire. Being somewhat stunned by the 
suddenness with which the scene had been shifted, and 
ai'^ed only by a dim light, the brave defender of the 


30 


JOHN STBINGHAM^S VISITORS, 


government could scarcely recognize a burglar fnom 
a mail pouch, but for all that he emptied every cham- 
ber, and without hitting a burglar, so far as I could 
ever learn. He said afterward that he did not care 
particularly about killing anybody, for he had done 
enough of that in his time, but that he simply wanted 
to let them know that John Stringham was there. 

They evidently quickly discovered that he was 
there, for scarcely before the last shot was fired, and 
some minutes before the smoke had cleared away, 
John Stringham and the dog had been bound, gagged 
and muzzled. 

Having thus won the day and captured the enemy, 
a detachment of the visiting burglars was sent on a re- 
connoitering expedition through the building, while 
two slim gentlemen and two slim revolvers acted as 
a body guard for Stringham. On the top floor of the 
mansion dwelt janitor Nixon, Mrs. Nixon and a little 
daughter. They had retired early and were sleeping 
soundly when the burglars softly entered their bed 
chamber, quietly awoke them and directed them in 
whispers to get up and be tied. They reluctantly 
assented, and soon after, aided by the rays from a dark 
lantern, were securely pinioned. The once proud, 
but now dejected Stringham and the dog were then 
escorted to Nixon’s room, where in the darkness they 
were left in charge of a clerical looking burglar, whose 
long gray beard was visible below his mask. He ad- 
monished his prisoners in gentle language that the 
penalty for a loud word or a suspicious naove would 
be instant death. 

The bold buglars, save the one on guard over the 


JOHN SmiNGRAM^S VISITORS, 


31 


prisoners, proceeded now to ransack the office and 
open the vault which contained the stamps and 
money. It was past midnight, and the occupants of 
the little chamber heard no noise, save what seemed 
to be the pounding on the vault below. Occasionally 
the venerable burglar would quietly move about the 
room just to let the helpless sufferers know that he 
was watching them. 

At about two o’clock a loud report was heard and 
the building shook as from an earthquake. String- 
ham and company felt relieved, for they thought an 
entrance to the vault had been gained and the robbers 
would soon be off with their booty. Such was not 
the case, for it was not long before they heard the old 
man pacing around to see if all was well with them. 
Then came another long silence which was followed 
by another loud report. This time the prisoners 
thought the robbers had surely accomplished their 
purpose, and soon would be heard a signal for the 
gentlemanly guard to come down and be off. But 
the signal never came. 

For an hour or more silence reigned supreme. 
Finally passing wagons were heard, and from String- 
ham’s position he could see the gray dawn of morning 
breaking. He therefore concluded the trouble was over, 
and after no little effort he removed the gag from his 
mouth and ventured to ask: “Nixon, are you there?” 
Nixon answered as best he could. Being satisfied 
that they were alone, and that the coast was clear, the 
two men lost no time in untying themselves, when 
they proceeded below to view the ruins and give the 
alarm. 


32 


JOHN STEINGHAM^S VISITOBS. 


The spectacle that greeted them can better be im 
ined than described. The office had been sadly de- 
molished. The walls had been battered, the floors 
were covered with debris, while the vaults and inside 
safes were completely wrecked, though their contents, 
aside from being badly scorched, were unharmed. 
Stringham says the ruins reminded him of a battle-field, 
after the enemy had been vanquished, except that the 
dead and dying were not there, though in this case 
the dead had likely been carried away before he 
arrived. 

The police were promptly notified, and by eight 
o’clock thousands of curious people had been around 
to pay their respects to Stringham, who, by noon,. had 
repeated the story so many times that he scarcely 
had sufficient strength to tell it always alike. 

It would appear that the burglars had a more diffi- 
cult task then they anticipated, or else they were 
frightened away, which probably was the case, for 
they left behind a few valuable tools. Upon leaving 
the office they proceeded to the ferry leading to 
Courtland Street, New York, and as they were wait- 
ing for a boat they were seen by Mr. Altemus, a re- 
porter, who was on his way home. He watched them 
with a suspicious eye. By his aid three of the burg- 
lars were identified and sent to prison, one of whom 
was the old man with the gray beard, who had spent 
most of his life where he is now sojourning. On the 
trial Stringham again related the story of the robbery, 
to which the judge and jury ^listene^ ^with wapped 
attention. 

It is needless to add that he is still night watchman 


JOHN 8TBINGHAM^8 VI8IT0R8, 33 

at the post-office. May his hard-earned glory and 
fame never wane, and when the last bugle-call is 
sounded may all the good and true realize, as did the 
unwelcome visitors, that John Stringham is there. 

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701-727 S. Dearborn Street, CHICAGO 





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Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money 


Henty Series 

FOR BOYS 

jnr G. A. Henty was the most prolific writer of boy’s 
^ stories of the nineteenth century. From two to 
jJ five books a year came from his facile pen. No 
Christmas holidays were complete without a new 
“Henty Book.” This new series comprises 45 titles. 
They are printed on an extra quality of paper, from 
new plates and bound in the best quality of cloth, 
stamped on back and side in inks from unique and 
attractive dies. 12 mo. cloth. Each book in a printed 
wrapper. 


1 Among Malay Pirates 

2 Bonnie Prince Charlie 

3 Boy Knight, The 

4 Bravest of the Brave 

5 By England’s Aid 

6 By Pike and Dyke 

7 By Right of Conquest 

8 By Sheer Pluck 

9 Captain Bayley’s Heir 

10 Cat of Bubastes 

1 1 Col. Thorndyke’s Secret 

12 Cornet of Horse, The 

13 Dragon and the Raven 

14 Facing Death 

15 Final Reckoning, A 

16 For Name and Fame 

17 For the Temple 

18 Friends, Though Divided 

19 Golden Canon 

20 In Freedom’s Cause 
2J In the Reign of Terror 

22 In Times of Peril 

23 Jack Archer 


24 Lion of St. Mark 

25 Lion of the North 

26 Lost Heir, The 

27 Maori and Settler 

28 One of the 28th 

29 Orange and Green 

30 Out on the Pampas 

31 Queen’s Cup, The 

32 Rujub, the Juggler 

33 St. George for England 

34 Sturdy and Strong 

35 Through the Fray 

36 True to the Old Flag 

37 Under Drake’s Flag 

38 With Clive in India 

39 With Lee in Virginia 

40 With Wolfe in Canada 

41 Young Buglers, The 

42 Young Carthaginians 

43 Young Colonists, The 

44 Young Franc-Tireurs 

45 Young Midshipman 


All of above titles can be procured at the store where this 
book was bought, or sent to any address for 50c. postage paid, 
by the publishers 

M. A. DONOHUE & CO., 

701-727 South Dearborn Street - - CHICAGO 



BEST BOOKS 
NOW READY 


Oliver Optic 
— Series — = 


For a full generation the youth of America has been 
reading and re-reading “Oliver Op tic. No genuine 
boy ever tires of this famous author who knew just 
what boys wanted and was always able to supply his 
wants. Books are attractively bound in art shades of 
English vellum cloth, three designs stamped in three 
colors. Printed from large type on an extra quality of 
clean flexible paper. Each book in glazed paper wrap- 
per. 12mo cloth. 


1 All Aboard 

2 Brave Old Salt 

3 Boat Club, The 

4 Fighting Joe 

5 Haste and Waste 

6 Hope and Have 

7 In School and Out 

8 Little by Little 

9 Now or Never 


10 Outward Bound- 

11 Poor and Proud 

12 Rich and Humble 

13 Sailor Boy, The 

14 Soldier Boy, The 

15 Try Again 

16 Watch and Wait 

17 Work and Win 

18 The Yankee Middy 

19 The Young Lieutenant 


ALWAYS ASK FOR THE DONOHUE 

Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money 


All of the above books may be had at the store 
where this book was bought, or will be sent postpaid 
at 75c per copy by the publishers 

M. A. DONOHUE & CO. 

701-727 S. Dearborn St., CHICAGO 



ALWAYS ASK FOR THE DONOHUE 

Complete Editions and you will gret the best for the least money 


“Jack Harkaway” 

Series of Books 

For Boys 

By Bracebridge Hemyng 

“For a regular thriller com- 
mend me to ‘Jack Harkaway.”’ 

This edition of Jack Harkaway 
is printed from large clear type, 
new plates, on a very superior 
quality of book paper and the 
books are substantially bound in 
binders’ cloth. The covers are 
unique and attractive, each title 
having a separate cover in colors 
from new dies. Each book in 
printed wrapper, with cover 
design and title. Cloth 12mo. 

1 Jack Harkaway 's School Days 

2 Jack Harkaway After School Days 
2 Jack Harkaway Afloat and Ashore 

4 Jack Harkaway at Oxford 

5 Jack Harkaway’s Adventures at Oxford 

6 Jack Harkaway Among the Brigands of Italy 

7 Jack Harkaway’s Escape From the Brigands 

of Italy 

8 Jack Harkaway’s Adventures Around the World 

9 Jack Harkaway in America and Cuba 

10 Jack Harkaway’s Adventures in China 

11 Jack Harkaway’s Adventures in Greece 

12 Jack Harkaway’s Escape From the Brigands 

of Greece 

13 Jack Harkaways Adventures in Australia 

14 Jack Harkaway and His Boy Tinker 

15 Jack Harkaway’s Boy Tinker Among the Turks 

We win send any of the above titles postpaid to any address. Each 

75c 

M. A. DONOHUE & CO. 

701-727 DEARBORN STREET CHICAGO 




]AN 3 19'3 


FOR THE 

VEST 

POCKET 


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DONOHUE’S 


— > < 1 VEST POCKET 

DICTIONARY 

AND COMPLETE MANUAL OF PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE 


ONTAINING 192 pages; size, x 2%. It contains 
more words, more miscellaneous matter, and embraces 
more pages than any other Vest Pocket Dictionary on 
the market, and yet it is so admirably made that it does 
not bulk in the pocket. Besides the dictionary of the 
language it contains a dictionary of Latin words and 
phrases, French words and phrases, Italian words and phrases, 
Spanish words and phrases, and complete manual of parliamentary 
practice. Type clear, paper good and binding excellent. It is 
made in the following styles: 


' m 

English 


Bound in binders’ 
cloth, red edges, 
without O 
index . . 


Bound in cloth, 
red edges, 
with O e p 

index . . 


Bound in full 
leather, full 


gilt edges, C Ap 
indexed 


T T7/^ A T OT/^T-I'T'CJ Police powers and duties 
XvXvJITJ. X defined. The law of the 
citizen alphabetically ar- 
I Xv P./ INI ^ ranged. Full explanation of the 
laws of arrest, with 125 cita- 
tions of court decisions. A Vest Pocket compilation for the in- 
nocent citizen to know his rights in time of trouble. 

Cloth, . . 25c Leather, . 50c 


PL^TE Civil Service Manual 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR EXAMINATIONS 
HOW TO OBTAIN POSITIONS 

CONTAINS also Sample Questions for Examinations, embrac- 
ing all the public offices and positions in the National, City, 
County and State Governments. Giving full details of the hist- 
ory, aims, oppportunities, rules, regulations and requirements of 
the Civil Service. By Prof. C. M. Stevens, Ph. D. 114 pages. 
Vest Pocket size, bound in flexible cloth. 

Price, Cloth, . . 25c Leather, gilt edges, 50c 

For sale by all book and newsdealers or sent postpaid to any 
address in the United States, Canada or Mexico upon receipt of 
price in currency, postal or express money order. 

M, A. DONOHUE & CO. 

701-727 S. Dearborn Street CHICAGO 


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